Resounding Success Once Again for Napa Valley’s Smith-Madrone
Established over 50 years ago by Founder/General Partner Stuart Smith, the Smith-Madrone Vineyards & Winery site is perched atop Spring Mountain in the Napa Valley. Joining Stuart on the management team are Winemaker Charles Smith III, and Francois Bugué, Associate Winemaker. The name pays homage to the Smith brothers, and the Madrone, an evergreen tree that distinguishes their property. In springtime, the tree displays lily-of-the-valley-like flowers, and the tree is decorated with colorful orange-red berries in the fall. Their estate vineyards are rooted in red, rocky volcanic soils, at elevations from 1,300 to 2,000 feet, with steep slopes up to 34%.
Their 2019 offerings are simply exquisite:
2019 Riesling, Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley: The alluring wet stone, citrusy aroma clearly shouts out Riesling. This gem is equally mesmerizing on the palate. Vibrant flavors of nectarine, white peach, green apple, minerality, lemon gelato, and mandarin orange, enhanced by classic brisk acidity, interlaced. The long and zesty finish shows off a splash of fresh lime. It is drinking beautifully now while promising many years of enjoyment ahead.
2019 Chardonnay, Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley: The exceptional fragrance of tree fruits and honeysuckle will have you hanging over the glass for a good while. Invigorating on the palate as layers of citrus-splashed Bosc pears, sauteed Golden Delicious apples, a thread of minerality, and subtle tinges of butterscotch meld seamlessly. This well-crafted Chardonnay boasts impressive depth and complexity. Finely managed oak sits perfectly in the background, while hints of ginger snaps add dimension through the extended finale.
2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley: Deep, dark fruit and fresh-turned earth on the nose awaken the senses, paving the way to a sumptuous, well-defined, multilayered palate. Black currant, spice-dusted plum chutney, crushed tobacco leaf, tinges of leather, and finely managed oak are beautifully framed by a firm backbone of tannins, and the balancing acidity is spot on. Full-bodied and complex with a velvety texture and an unforgettable, everlasting finish. Approachable now, yet ageworthy, if you have the patience to wait.
Smith-Madrone Vineyards & Winery welcomes visitors by appointment. You can book a visit via their Tock reservation system accessible on their website, www.smithmadrone.com. If you encounter booking challenges, give them a call directly at 707/963-2283 to plan your visit, you’ll be glad you did.
(Photo used on the blog index page ©Kelly Puleio)
