We’re in that brief period of time between holidays when many of us can relax for a few days after the rush of Christmas before gearing up for New Year’s Eve. Those celebrating Hanukkah get to continue celebrating right into the new year. By early January we will all be happy to slow down and finalize our New Year’s Resolutions. Here’s one more resolution for your list: taste Smith-Madrone Cabernet Sauvignon. Let me tell you why.
Smith-Madrone Vineyards & Winery is located on Spring Mountain, above Napa Valley to the west, at elevations between 1300 and 2000 feet. The slopes vary in steepness and sun exposure, and the thirty-odd acres of vineyards are surrounded by forest. Vineyard plantings include Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot. The vineyard is dry-farmed (essentially no irrigation after the vines are established) and farmed sustainably.
Smith-Madrone was established in 1971 and continues to be operated by brothers Stuart and Charles Smith. There is no Mr. (or Ms.) Madrone, that part of the name comes from the predominant evergreen tree on the property. Stu is the vineyard guy and general manager. He directed the planting of each variety at the optimal sun exposure, elevation and slope. Charlie is the winemaker and in 2021 François Bugué joined Stu and Charlie as associate winemaker. Annual production is only 3000 to 4000 cases.
There is something very special about mountain-grown wines. They can express an intensity while maintaining their freshness that is very appealing. The Smith brothers know their mountain vineyard site, and what you will taste in their Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as their other wines, is that lovely freshness and intensity. All Smith-Madrone wines are estate grown and bottled.
We received this wine as a tasting sample.
2021 Smith-Madrone Cabernet Sauvignon, Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley — medium ruby with aromas of red fruit, cedar and tobacco. Flavors include blueberries, blackberries and black currants with background notes of cedar and tobacco supported by bright acidity. The body is medium with firm, grippy tannins that are well integrated with the flavors. 14.3% ABV. SRP $65
The blend, which varies by vintage, is 81.9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17.7% Cabernet Franc, 0.4% Petit Verdot. The wine spent 18 months in 65% new French oak. Only 1,652 cases were made.
Smith-Madrone Cabernet Sauvignon has many qualities I look for in a wine: family ownership, low-volume production, flavorful wine with reasonable alcohol. Also a plus: mountainside location, elegant style, affordability. Every vintage, Smith-Madrone wines will reflect the vintage and the Smith brothers’ style of winemaking (elegant and sophisticated). Their Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Riesling are all well-crafted wines. Smith-Madrone Vineyards & Winery can ship to most US states and you can visit the winery by prior arrangement, which I highly recommend. It is an authentic wine experience that comes with spectacular views of Napa Valley. Be sure to ask about the 135-year-old Picholine olive trees that stand as a reminder of the first winemaking efforts on the 200-acre site.
Almost invariably, January can feel like something of a letdown after rushing around making holiday preparations since Thanksgiving. I say turn the letdown into a slowdown. Pace yourself, reward yourself with quiet time at home, a home-cooked meal and a bottle of exceedingly affordable, exceedingly delicious Smith-Madrone Cabernet Sauvignon.
We recently discovered hachis Parmentier makes a delicious pairing. I used Dorie Greenspan’s recipe from her cookbook Around My French Table. Hachis Parmentier, a French version of shepherd’s pie, takes some time to prepare, but it’s not complicated and is the very definition of comfort food.
Cheers!
