The guys celebrating the holidays at Market in St. Helena
Happy New Year! I hope you and your family and friends and business all will thrive in 2026.
I’m taking a moment now to share my gratitude with you. In the last month it seems that some enormous accolades have come our way, from The New York Times to being named as one of The Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100 wines of 2025 as well as being included in several other writers’ top-wine round-ups, including James Melendez, Fredric Koeppel, Anatoli Levine and Michael Kelly. We were quoted by Jancis Robinson in The Financial Times (based in London) and there are others….
But what I’d like to share with you is that our gratitude goes to you, our customer.
We appreciate every bottle you’ve purchased and every visit you’ve made. This is our 55th year and every detail still matters.
In The New York Times, Eric Asimov writes about wines to enjoy in 2026: Smith-Madrone Cabernet Sauvignon is one of three Napa Cabs recommended….
“…Fashions come and go, it’s said, but style is eternal. It holds true with wine, too. Different wines fade in and out of popularity, but good ones deserve recognition regardless of the trends. I have picked 10 wine genres here that I feel have either been arbitrarily dismissed or have evaporated from consciousness. I’ve recommended a few bottles to try, in several different price ranges, though some, like Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon and Sauternes, do not have inexpensive options. Some of these wines have been the victims of stereotypes…..Others have fallen by the wayside because of evolving tastes, changing attitudes about health and busier lives.
Genres like Napa cabernet, California chardonnay, Bordeaux and Ribera del Duero were prized during an earlier critical cycle that sought power, ripeness and flamboyance. Different tastes developed, and genres that were identified with the older era were rejected at large. It’s wrong to dismiss entire groups. Some producers within these groups always made wines in more restrained styles than imagined, and others have evolved with the times. The diversity of styles available today is a wonderful thing.
I have always believed in avoiding rigid beliefs about types of wine. While it’s tempting to write off an entire genre because of one unpleasant bottle, it’s important to remember that every genre of wine encompasses a wide range of styles. California chardonnay can range from buttery and oaky to steely and minerally.
Here, then, are 10 genres in alphabetical order that I believe deserve reconsideration….Bordeaux, California Chardonnay, Merlot, Napa Cabernet, Port & Madeira, Ribera del Duero, Sauternes & Barsac, Sherry, Savennieres, Spatlese Riesling…..
Napa Cabernet
No way around it, good Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon is expensive. And that’s only part of the problem. As with Bordeaux, many reject the wines as old-fashioned, overblown or simply dull. As far as I’m concerned, good cabernet is never out of fashion, and while the overblown style is still common, many restrained examples are out there. Napa cabernet will generally be riper and fruitier than Bordeaux, but not by too much. It should also be savory and refreshing, and with sufficient age, it will soften and gain a lovely complexity.
Bottles to Try $60 to $80, Frog’s Leap Napa Valley Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon; Smith-Madrone Spring Mountain District, Cabernet Sauvignon; $80 to $100, Matthiasson Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon….”
Because subtlety is overrated and restraint is optional.
Let’s get this out of the way. This bottle is hot. Not Napa “yoga-pants-at-Whole-Foods” hot. More like quietly dangerous, slow-burn, eyes-across-the-room hot. The kind of Riesling that doesn’t slide into your DMs. It waits. Patiently. Confidently. Then wrecks your expectations.
Smith-Madrone has always played the long game, and this 2021 is proof. While the rest of Napa is busy chasing bigger, louder, oakier, this wine shows up dressed like it knows something you don’t. Which it does.
On the nose, think lime zest, crushed stone, alpine air, and that clean, electric note you get right before something important happens. On the palate, it’s taut, precise, and absurdly sexy in a way that feels almost unfair. Acid sharp enough to wake you up, fruit just ripe enough to flirt, and zero interest in being sweet or apologetic.
Pop culture tie-in? This is Succession in a bottle. Old money energy. No flexing. No explanations. Just power, restraint, and impeccable timing. It’s Shiv Roy in a silk blouse, not yelling, not trying, just quietly running the room while everyone else mistakes noise for influence.
Also, Riesling from Spring Mountain remains Napa’s best-kept secret, which makes drinking this feel slightly smug. As it should. You didn’t follow a trend. You found something.
Drink this with seafood, spicy food, or honestly by itself while judging everyone else’s wine choices. Serve it cold. Not icy. This bottle deserves to stretch.
Final verdict: STILL XXX! If Riesling had a glow-up and deleted its ex’s number, this would be it. Buy it. Chill it. Act like you knew all along.
During the crush of holidays that begin at Halloween and rush toward a celebration of the New Year, it can be a challenge to find time slow down and enjoy the season. A simple meal with a refreshing glass of wine on a quiet evening at home can be the perfect antidote to all that rushing around. Not that we do much rushing around, but I can confirm Dungeness crab paired with a glass of 2021 Smith-Madrone Riesling is the perfect refresh for the season. We received this wine as a tasting sample.
There are quite a few things that make a bottle of Smith-Madrone wine special.
Location
Smith-Madrone Vineyards and Winery was established more than 50 years ago on the steep slopes in Spring Mountain District above Napa Valley. When Stuart Smith discovered the property the previous owner’s viticultural efforts had mostly been reclaimed by native mountain vegetation, though a few very tall Picholine olive trees from the era, more than 120 years ago, remain.
Not Just Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa
Stuart’s brother, Charles, soon joined him on Spring Mountain as winemaker and they set about planting the vineyard. Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon were the first varieties planted in 1972, although the Pinot Noir was grafted over to Chardonnay in 1986. The original vineyard plantings were made on their own roots. Cabernet Franc and Merlot were planted in 1998 and Petite Verdot was added in 2007. The vineyard has been dry-farmed since 2017 and only irrigated when absolutely necessary. Their plantings have always been guided more by what they enjoy drinking than market whims.
Interesting Dirt
The soils are rocky and mostly deep-red Aiken Stoney Clay loam that are volcanic, deep for mountain soils and well-draining. The underlying geology is a jumble of complex soils belonging to the Franciscan Assemblage, unique to the California Coast Range.
Small Production
All Smith-Madrone wines are estate grown and annual production is only 3000 to 4000 cases. Stuart and Charles were joined by François Bugué as associate winemaker in 2021. It’s a small but experienced crew who know how to craft wines in a classic style that reflect the magnificent mountain location. The people, the vineyard practices and the winemaking remain constant from vintage to vintage, but there is a fourth influence that is not so constant: Mother Nature — you will taste her influence in Smith-Madrone wines every vintage too.
2021 Smith-Madrone Riesling paired with Dungeness crab salad
2021 Smith-Madrone Riesling, Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley — pale yellow with generous aromas of petrol, barely ripe pineapple and stone fruit. Flavors follow with barely ripe pineapple and pears with underlying dusty gravel and mouthwatering acidity. The flavors are very long and dry in a light body. 13.2% ABV. 1258 cases made. SRP $40
Riesling is planted on the steepest hillsides on the Spring Mountain estate with an eastern exposure.
Mmm, so sippable, fresh and bright. Over the years we have paired the Smith-Madrone Riesling with everything from pasta to Thai peanut chicken wraps; it is incredibly versatile. This year it was Dungeness crab. We kept it simple with just a dollop of mayo and diced Calabrian chili added to the crab on a bed of butter lettuce and avocado with a light drizzle of lemon and avocado oil dressing. So fresh. So bright. Just like the wine.
Smith-Madrone Riesling shares the spotlight with Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and most recently, Cabernet Franc. We’ve tasted them all and a thread of elegance runs through them. The Cabernet Franc is a real charmer and the rosé, not made every vintage, is brilliant. Wines are available for purchase on the winery website, or you can plan a visit to the mountainside vineyard and winery. The Smith brothers built the winery themselves using wood and stones from the property. It’s a piece of Napa history.
Robb Report recommends our Estate Cabernet Sauvignon two years in a row.
On December 2, 2024 Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen wrote:
The 10 Best Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons Under $100
Some great values from America’s favorite wine region.
There’s no denying the weather is getting cooler, and the days are getting shorter, so we’re looking to heartier red wines to enjoy on long autumn and winter nights. Nothing warms your heart more than sharing a few bottles of nice wine with close family and friends in front of a blazing fireplace, but since there’s more people around the fire why not save a few dollars by purchasing excellent quality Napa wine at amazing prices. We’ve scoured the market and tasted hundreds of wines to find the best Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons under $100 a bottle. Here are our picks for the 10 best wines that won’t break the bank.
Smith Madrone 2019 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Smith Madrone was founded in 1971 when brothers Stuart and Charles Smith purchased the land that would house their vineyard and winery. The moniker is a mash up of the brothers’ family name and the Madrone trees that grace the property. Their 2019 Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon is inky purple with aromas of graphite, violet, and cassis. Silky smooth tannins envelope the palate with flavors of blackberry, red plum, and brown baking spices.
On December 4, 2025 Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen wrote:
The 10 Best Napa Cabs Under $100 to Buy Now: Some great values from America’s favorite wine region.
Cooler weather and the holidays are upon us, so it’s time to get together with family and friends, ideally with a glass of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon in hand. And while we’re not shy about our pursuit of the AVA’s cult Cabs, we also love a value when we see one; especially this time of year. Whether you’re the host cracking multiple bottles a night for your party, or you’re a frequent guest always showing up to fêtes with wine in hand, it’s nice to have some great options for wines to break out that don’t break the bank. Because, after all, those usually aren’t the occasions when you’ll be diving deep into the cellar, instead you want a great wine that delivers bang for your buck. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered. Here are the 10 best Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon under $100 to buy right now.
Smith Madrone 2021 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Brothers Stuart and Charles Smith purchased the land that would eventually become Smith Madrone Vineyards and Winery in 1971. Their 2021 Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon is drinking perfectly right now after four years. It is composed of 81.9 percent Cab, 17.7 percent Cab Franc, and just a touch of Merlot and offers aromas of black currant, blueberry, crushed violet petals, and cinnamon. Sightly grippy tannins coat the mouth with flavors of cassis, red currant, plum, and a touch of nutmeg in the finish.
It’s funny how the years move along but one thing stays constant—our gratitude to you for your support and love for our wines.
This year, as a way of saying thanks and for sharing so many special moments with us, we went deep into the winery’s cellar to see what vintages are drinking beautifully right now and would be great to enjoy during the holiday season.
A lot of tasting later…we’ve found a few that are too good not to share with you and have decided to release them now, in time for the holidays.
They’re rare, delicious, and each special in their own way. We hope you enjoy them as much as we did and do!
All of these offerings are extremely limited, so we encourage you to purchase expeditiously!
We pre-tasted these wines for you and you’ll see those notes as you read on.
Single Bottles
2013 Estate Chardonnay (1x750ml) $75
Sprightly, elegant, bright, aromatic, a hint of white flowers. Picture a summer day in an English meadow. This wine is drinking beautifully and is an example of how a mountain Chardonnay matures. If Chardonnay became liquid perfume, this might be it.
With a gorgeous golden color in the glass, this wine is glorious, with notes of lemon curd. It’s crisp, with good acidity, mouth filling and a complexity and heft to the mid-palate. It’s another delicious example of a mature mountain Chardonnay. If this wine had been a contender in the 1976 Paris Tasting, we think it would have easily won. We feel we can safely say there is not another Chardonnay in Napa like this.
Crisp and floral, with a whiff of petrol, this is ‘classic’ Riesling. This wine may be why Stuart Pigott called our Riesling the best in North America. We believe in the longevity of Riesling from our vineyards, and this wine is proof of that.
A touch of cherry compote on the nose, the wine is long and vibrant, with good acidity, youthful and a creamy mid-palate. It’s a blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Cabernet Franc.
A sublime wine. The aromas suggest plums and berries, rich and sweet. This is our Right Bank blend—46% Cabernet Franc, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot. We absolutely love this wine.
Spicy, elegant, youthful, lively, with enormous fruit character and a deep mid-palate, a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc and 14% Merlot.
A complex wine with a very slight touch of dark chocolate, rich and sophisticated. It’s Incredibly youthful without a hint of its age. This is the first release of Cook’s Flat Reserve and we specifically chose the 2007 vintage because of the amazing color and flavors of the grapes during fermentation. For Smith-Madrone 2007 might be the vintage of the century. It’s a blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc.
Sprightly, elegant, bright, aromatic, a hint of white flowers. This wine is drinking beautifully and is an example of how a mountain Chardonnay matures
Here’s a great way to ‘go deep’ into our signature wine. Stuart Pigott chose Smith-Madrone Riesling as the best Riesling in North America in his book The Best White Wine on Earth. He wrote: “The aromas range from white peach and lemon to dried flowers and herbs, the acidity is bright and enormously refreshing without a hint of sharpness. With age a note that reminds me of quince jelly develops.”
We wish you and your family the happiest of holiday seasons, and hope to welcome you to the winery in the New Year. Follow us on Instagram and we’ll share whatever wintry weather comes our way….!
Sincerely,
PS: on the topic of Cook’s Flat, who knew there’d be something related recently on Netflix!
Every year, our reviewers blind-taste 25,000 wines from around the world in search of those rare bottles that stop us in our tracks. The result is The Enthusiast 100 list—an annual showcase of wines that truly define the year for us. Think of it as an all-star roster of bottles that overdeliver, surprise, and remind us why we fell in love with wine. This year’s list has something for every kind of wine lover. You’ll find our Hidden Gems (rare bottles) and Editors’ Choice picks (old faithfuls), plus plenty of selections for under $100 and even a handful that clock in under $50 without skimping on quality. From classic regions to up-and-coming ones, these rockstar bottles are approachable, exciting, and perfectly timed for the gathering and giving season. Whether you’re building your cellar, gifting a bottle, or simply looking for something new to enjoy on a cozy winter night, you can’t go wrong with this list. The Enthusiast 100 celebrates wines that shine today and hint at even greater rewards in the future. So grab a glass, get inspired, and discover which of these all-stars deserve a spot in your lineup.
#29
97 points, Editors’ Choice: A Cabernet that exemplifies how the variety became so popular: classic, structural, aromatic, and finessed. An impossible find for the price, enjoy now for palate cleansing structure, or continue to age for deeper pleasure.
What a surprise to see Chester Arthur as a key character in the new 4-part Netflix series Death By Lightning. He’s a controversial figure…see what you think!
President Chester A. Arthur (above) signed a U.S. Land Office Patent in 1884 for what is today Smith-Madrone. The document granted ownership to George Cook. That original document hangs in the winery and is an important part of our history.
We launched Cook’s Flat Reserve (the first vintage was 2007) to represent our uncompromising pursuit of perfection in winemaking. We chose this name in tribute to George Cook, who was the first owner of the property and the person who originally planted the vines here in the 1880s.
We reproduced the patent in full color on tissue which wraps each bottle of the wine.
President Chester Arthur was the 21st President, serving from 1881 to 1885. He was a Republican from New York who previously served as the 20th Vice President under President James A. Garfield. He assumed the presidency after Garfield’s assassination.
The tv series traces the story of James Garfield, who rose from obscurity to become America’s 20th president — and Charles Guiteau, the man who assassinated him.
This Riesling comes from Smith-Madrone, high up on the side of Napa’s Spring Mountain. Brothers Charlie and Stu Smith have been making this bottling of Riesling for decades, and it is the most reliable expression of this particular grape variety produced in Napa. Fully dry, and brimming with citrus and Asian pear flavors, it’s delicious and ages well. Pale gold in the glass, this wine smells of honeysuckle, beeswax, and mandarin orange peel. In the mouth, Asian pear, mandarin zest, and pomelo pith flavors have a stony, wet chalkboard quality as excellent acidity puckers the cheeks and makes the saliva flow. Perfectly dry, with just a hint of paraffin and herbs.
Owen Bargreen, November 13, 2025
93 points: Sourced from the Spring Mountain District, the outstanding 2021 Smith-Madrone Riesling shows serious texture, weight and nerve from this warmer vintage. Ripe peach and kerosene flavors collide with green apples and copious minerals on the palate. This is seriously good stuff that has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2025-2033.
Catherine Fallis, Planet Grape, November 13, 2025
93 points: Lively, zesty, tangy and sweet-tart with notes of green apple candy, mango nectar, salted caramel and cream roll.
Don Winkler, International Wine Review, November 2023
93 points: Light yellow straw. This youthful Riesling shows excellent potential. The bouquet evokes floral notes, wet river stones, and citrus. The palate reveals excellent freshness and depth of flavor with firm, mouthwatering acidity. The wine will become more expressive over time and will be ready to drink when released in 2025.
James Melendez, JamesTheWineMan, November 14, 2025
95 points: One of the most exemplary Rieslings produced in California today
Smith-Madrone News 