Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

After reading the story of this producer, I inspired to try it. Especially, at $59.99 for a quality Napa Cabernet. These two brother’s are true pioneers of the Napa Valley. They do their own thing. Don’t follow trends and are not aggressive with their bottle price, nor do they really wish to. More rare than common in today’s Napa Cabernet market. I have a lot of respect for that and Napa Pioneers.

This also drinks pretty well for a young Napa Cabernet. I was expecting bigger/bolder based on write up. Not that this won’t benefit from cellaring.

The fruits are nicely ripe; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, strawberries, cherries & blueberry hues. I was expecting more teeth. Think it is showing the finesse & balance of most 21’s I’ve had. Dark spice, grilled meats, light black pepper, barrel dust, dry tobacco, leather, savory herbaceousnes, moist clays, dry crushed rocks, cola, flower bouquet of red, blue & purple fresh flowers, rainfall acidity with a well balanced, softly structured, elegant finish that lasts just over a minute and lands crushed rocks and touch of spice.

It will be interesting to see if this shows more in 5 years.

Photos of; Smith Madrone vineyards and brothers Stuart and Charles Smith — 14 days ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.0

2022 vintage. Good, not great. The 2021 with more intensity/grip and life. 06.11.25. — 17 days ago

Robbie Jo Gerarden

9.6

Very good! Smooth all around! — a month ago

Doug Powers

9.6

Sweet dried redfruits and oak aromas, soft tannins, sweet fruit on palate as well, very fine acidity and depth, seems close to fully mature, but should last 3-5 years at least, kudos to Patrick Campbell, who made a lot of outstanding LG Cabernets back in the 1980s and 1990s, excellent Sonoma Mountain Cabernet!! — 8 days ago

with Jim

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.1

2022 vintage. Last year's vintage more than justified the pricing. This one, not so much. 06.11.25. — 17 days ago

Ed Thomas

10

Still young. Years to go ! — 2 days ago

Henry Fuseler

9.0

6/2025. A mouthful. Tasty, bold and nice on the palate

Paired well with the lamb at Halls Chophouse. — 5 days ago

Bill Mowry

9.0

Medium bodied with dark violet color I double decanted the wine and it surprisingly still seemed young after seven years. More Cab Franc (18%) in this vintage blend than some of the others it was smooth and subtle with cocoa, fig, and blueberry. Paired well with BBQ St. louis ribs. — 6 days ago

David Walser

9.4

Very enjoyable bottle of wine tonight. Screw cap held up well. — 2 days ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Blend of Cab Sauv, Cab Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot & Malbec. Deep Ruby, purple edges, youthful aromas of black fruit, spices, floral and flinty notes. On the palate flavors of blackberry and black cherry with some vanilla and tobacco and herbal notes. Vivid acidity, firm tight tannins with long finish ending with a vibrant character, a bit young, should benefit from bottle aging. — a month ago