Solera Well Spring

Smith Madrone

Estate Bottled Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Somm David T
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
— 11 days ago

Daniel, Dawn and 10 others liked this
Ming L

Ming L

Big fan of their Riesling!

Emilio Lustau

East India Solera Sherry Palomino Fino Pedro Ximénez

This wine has a burnished look, deep brown. The nose is a treat all on its own. There are aromas of brown sugar, coffee and orange zest which combine for an amazing olfactory experience. The palate is just as joyful, with caramel, raisin and mocha notes. The acidity is fresh and exhilarating. Although the wine is described on the label as “cream,” it does not strike me as creamy. The viscosity is nice, though. It will pair well with dessert, or serve as one by itself. — a year ago

Tom, Anthony and 5 others liked this

Robert Craig Winery

Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

Lots of red fruit, especially raspberries and cherries, hint of slate. Went well with sausage-zucchini soup — 3 years ago

Spring Mountain Vineyard

Elivette Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2018

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. — 3 days ago

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Schweiger Vineyards

Dedication Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2011

Whoa. It’s been years since my last Schweiger taste….fantastic. Time has been good for this bottle. Big, jammy, well-rounded tannins. — 2 months ago

Barnett Vineyards

Rattlesnake Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Better than my last bottle. Really drank well tonight with big fruit and a solid structure. — 3 years ago

Ridge Vineyards

York Creek Spring Mountain Petite Sirah 2016

Nearly opaque purple. Subdued jammy nose of black and blueberry. Tarry black raspberry with supple tannins. Drank over three days initially with St. Louis ribs and paired very well with the garlicky spicy rub. Delicious wine that could last a decade or more but why wait if you have several bottles? — 3 years ago

Spring Mountain Vineyard

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1970

Tart with blue fruit and tang. Gnarly underbrush notes, some bloodiness, vivid and still has a fresh intensity. From mag and a very well stored bottle — 2 months ago

BOT Matt LichtenbergPaul Woolls
with BOT, Matt and 1 other
Ira, Douglas and 8 others liked this

Paloma

Napa Valley Syrah 1997

So, Barbara and Jim Richards (RIP) planted 5 acres back in 1991 (1990?) of Syrah on the northeast (downslope) corner of their Paloma vineyard on Spring Mountain in what visually looked like a “low spot” (partially shaded and also maybe an area that maybe occasionally got standing water back in the days when California got enough rain). The rest of the vineyard was of course Merlot and also some Cabernet Sauvignon used mostly for blending with their fantastic mountain Merlot. The vineyard is just east of Pride Mountain and across the road from what used to be (??) Schweiger Vineyards.

Anyway, Bob Foley, who was making the wines for Pride in those early days, was consulting for Barbara and Jim early on, but I have ZERO information as to what involvement he had with the Syrah, if I recall correctly, the first Syrah in 1995 was less than a barrel (12-15 cases), and was aged in a super OLD, neutral barrel. My Chicago friends, who knew the Richards, dragged me along to taste that fateful day. That 1995 Syrah, first wine they ever made from those young Syrah vines, was, frankly, eye-opening and FANTASTIC, as I told Jim Richards that day. After tasting the INCREDIBLE 1995 Syrah, which was so northern Rhône-like and so pure, I begged Jim to sell me a bottle or two, but he politely declined. Later that day, after tasting the rest of their great wines, as we were leaving, Jim GAVE me a 4-pack box of that 1995 Syrah, which he wouldn’t accept any $$$ for, and that 1995 Syrah still in my memory remains the GREATEST CA Syrah I’ve ever tasted!!

As you can probably tell, I adored Jim and Barbara Richards, amazing people and generous to a fault!! Amazing people!!! I don’t think I ever met their son, Sheldon, but from all accounts he is continuing the tradition of great Paloma wines, though that great Syrah vineyard was pulled out in the early 2000s — Sheldon, if you happen to see this post, I welcome any corrections if I got any details wrong!!

Oh, and this Syrah is pretty dang good as well!!!
— 7 months ago

Jim Powers
with Jim
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Ira Schwartz

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@Doug Powers so enjoyed! Thanks
Tom Casagrande

Tom Casagrande Influencer Badge

Love the story!
Aravind A

Aravind A Premium Badge

This is what great wine is all about.

Spring Mountain Vineyard

Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2017

SMV has been growing SB since 1993, as well as its stellar blends, visited not long ago, beautiful place not to be missed. Sur-lie aged for 6 months in neutral French oak, regular batonnage. Pale lemon with aromas of ripe stone and tropical fruits with citrus and floral notes, wonderful phenolics. On the palate fresh fruit flavors of melon, apricot and ripe apple with lemon citrus and vanilla wrapped in lively acidity, medium+ length ending with creamy citrus texture and slight yeasty notes. Wow! Very Nice! — 4 years ago

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