Stu and Charlie Smith strike again with a classic mountain fruit wine that doesn’t shy away from its best characteristics to shoot at a perceived trend toward bolder, drink me now style. This has all you want in an age-worthy beast that will soften and integrate magically over the next 20 years, maybe longer. Blackberry, cassis, dried herbs, pepper, and the faintest hint of tomato leaf are in full force now, delivered on rigid tannins that will subside over time. Collectors of the Smith brothers wines tend to go by the case, sampling occasionally to find their preferred sweet spot. One of the last Napa Valley wines of this quality to still be south of fifty bucks — a steal among its competitors.
Smith-Madrone, Spring Mountain District (Napa Valley, California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
By Rich Cook