Smith-Madrone Vineyards, Spring Mountain District – Napa Valley (California) Riesling 2018

 Stu Smith planted Riesling at the Smith-Madrone winery in 1972 because it was one of the four most important wine grapes in the world.  He stands by that statement more than 50 years later.  This Riesling shows minerality, tree fruit, and a touch of classic petroleum.  The vines benefit from dry farming, cooler site selection, and old well-draining volcanic soils.  The struggle they undergo each year adds to the complexity of the fruit.  At $36, you can have your Napa Riesling today and put a few in your cellar where this wine will surely grow in complexity.  This is a wine that cellar dwellers shouldn’t overlook.