Galen Hasler

9.1

Complex rich full body live acidity petrol — 9 hours ago

Michael Chelus

9.0

Apple, lemon, honey, peach, oak and hints of almond. Great acidity and balance. — 3 months ago

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 — 4 months ago

Matthew W.

9.1

Dark fruits, cedar, vanilla, touch of grip. — 10 hours ago

Lyn Farmer

9.4

A blend of the five Bordeaux varietals, this is an exceptional wine. There’s a great balance of acidity, velvet tannins and black fruit. Cassis, black cherry, black plum, a light toast and vanilla oak component and developing tertiary character of leather, forest floor and cigar box. Terrifically harmonious the wine is full bodied with a sense of being heavy. A joy to consume. — 3 months ago

Andrea Watt

8.9

Crisp mineral and citrus over lychee and mango. — 5 months ago

Al Chew

10

One of my all-time favourites. — 20 days ago

Ericsson

9.3

Oh yeah. This is that good. — 3 months ago

Stuart Pollack

9.1

Correct and classic California Cabernet. Nothing memorable but nothing wrong with it. A one-dimensional wine. — 3 months ago

John Malcolm

9.4

Rated this over five years ago. All I can say is “ditto” — 5 months ago