Smith-Madrone Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District, California

Founded in 1971 with the purchase of 200 forested acres at the top of Spring Mountain, Smith-Madrone is run by brothers Stuart and Charles Smith. 32 acres of vineyards were reclaimed (originally planted in the 1880’s) from the encroaching forest of Madrone Douglas fir and oak. From steep, dry-farmed vineyards, the vines flourish in vividly red and rocky volcanic soil. The cooler mountain temperature produces wine of intense flavor, structure and longevity. Smith-Madrone’s Cabernet Sauvignon is grown at the top of Spring Mountain (1,800-foot elevation), west of St. Helena. Age of vines: 40 years. Aromatically, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon fills your glass with a magic conjunction of red and black fruit, cedar, graphite and perhaps a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg. The superb nose is followed by a palate sensation of impressive size, shape and amplitude. The wine is big, beautifully textured and impeccably balanced. The structure becomes a dimension in and of itself. The piercing, focused aroma leads to a solid core of dark Cabernet fruit. The wine is a veritable treasure trove of aroma and flavor; it finishes long and strong with moderate fine grain tannins that suggest a long and happy future. 86.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 7.5% Cabernet Franc. 21 months in 50% new French oak. Winemakers & winegrowers: Charles Smith, Stuart Smith & Sam Smith.