Honestly, sometimes a wine comes along at the exact right time. Such is the case with the recently released 2021 Smith-Madrone Chardonnay. It tastes just like what I’m ready for — springtime. After tasting several vintages of this wine, I have a certain expectation: Chardonnay that expresses the vintage with only a gentle guiding hand from the winemakers. Every vintage has its own signature. Some vintages reflect the subtle influences of oak more than others, but always the flavor of mountain-grown Chardonnay is fully expressed. We received this wine as a tasting sample.
2021 Smith-Madrone Estate Chardonnay, Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley — brilliant light golden color with aromas of stone fruit along with hints of flowers, flint and toast in the background. The aromas carry over to the flavors, which include stone fruit, citrus and ripe pineapple, hints of toast with a bit of roundness and a long finish with notable, juicy acidity. 14% ABV. SRP $45. Only 1001 cases made.
The flavors are bright, intense and fruity with juicy acidity that leaves me salivating. Toasty notes in the aromas and flavors hint at its barrel fermentation and aging for 10 months in new French oak. Right now I want to pair it with fresh ricotta ravioli with spring peas and fava beans. This Chardonnay is perfect for a meal.
Smith-Madrone Vineyards & Winery is located on Spring Mountain, above Napa Valley, 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 after more than 50 years, brothers Stuart and Charles Smith remain the vineyard managers and winemakers of the winery. They have been joined by François Bugué, associate winemaker. To say the Smiths know their site and vineyards is an understatement. To describe their wines as elegant is no overstatement. Their estate-grown wines don’t chase fads. The Smiths continue making wines that they like to drink, as they have since day one.
Smith-Madrone wines are available at wine retailers and directly from the winery website. Celebrate spring with a glass.
Cheers!
