Cabernet Sauvignon, Smith-Madrone Estate

After the abundance of the 2014 harvest the pendulum swung in the other direction for 2015, which was unusually small. Picking began early on August 20 and finished September 19. The effect on the Cabernet Sauvignon to produce a medium weight wine of great style and wonderful drinkability. It is their contention that the best wines have a very high “fun factor,” that draws you back to the glass for sip after sip. This is their way of saying simply that very good wine needs to taste delicious. And in this respect the 2015 Cabernet excels.

Aromatically the wine is thrilling in its laser-like focus and intensity of fragrance. At the same time, it delivers remarkable complexity; every inhalation reveals a new and surprising element. Bright fruit, dark fruit, black currants, red plums, lavender, spices violets, green olives, all are present and more. The aroma is so intriguing it is an end in itself.

The palate only confirms what the nose has hinted: rich flavors of vibrant blue-black fruit are surrounded by a silky texture that leads to a bright and beguiling finish. The balance is impressive and the structure fundamental. Overall, the impression is one of effortless elegance, sleek and svelte and replete with an enormous “fun factor.”

The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon is made entirely from 100% estate fruit grown at the top of Spring Mountain (1,800 foot elevation), west of St. Helena in the Napa Valley. The vines are planted on very steep slopes (up to 35%) in red Aiken soil, derived from weathered volcanic materials and sedimentary rock.

Their Spring Mountain pedigree insures deliciously integrated tannins and a long life span. For forty-seven years their wines have been sourced from the same vineyards, pruned, cultivated and harvested in the same manner, creating artisanal wines which are distinctive and complex. Their goal is to produce wines which bring pleasure to all the senses.

Aged 65% in new French oak, 35% one year-old French oak for 18 months.