Cabernet Sauvignon Reviews

Enofylz blog by Martin Redmond, August 26, 2013

My favorites

2009 Cabernet Sauvignon

I attended the 23nd Annual Family Winemakers of California tasting, held in San Francisco August 17th and 18th (2013). If there ever was a time the vinous cliché “So many wines, so little time” is true, it’s at a huge event like this. There were 220 wineries pouring; after getting through the available Grenache relatively quickly, it was time for “Taster’s Choice” (where I basically walk around and taste whatever strikes my fancy). I tasted another 15 to 20 wines. My favorites, which I rated 90+ points, were 2009 Smith Madrone Cabernet Sauvignon and 2007 Smith Madrone Reserve Cabernet Cooks Flat.

http://enofylzwineblog.com/2013/08/26/best-of-ca-grenache-2013-fwc-tasting/

Snooth by Gregory dal Piaz, February 28, 2013

92 points

2009 Cabernet Sauvignon

Very fresh on the nose, with a little mocha cream, some smoke and fines herbs with a nice minty top note layered over decisive blackcurrant and blackberry fruit. This has really lovely bright acids in the mouth with transparent fruit that bathes the tongue with bright, tart, blackberry flavors that have just a little medicinal edge to them, adding complexity. There are nice, rich, soft tannins on the long finish which leaves a persistent echo of  black cherry fruit. This is young and tight, but wonderfully energetic in the mouth, with nary a speck of fat. Will love to watch where this one goes with age.

http://www.snooth.com/articles/the-way-of-things-at-smith-madrone/?viewall=1

Wines by Benito, blog by Benjamin Carter, December 16, 2013

Highly recommended

2009 Cabernet Sauvignon

There's a long tradition of serving American wines at the Thanksgiving table, and I was particularly excited to serve the small batch bottles of a classic Napa producer. Dad slow smoked a full, grass-fed, Hereford tenderloin that was rubbed down with a spice mix and cooked to a perfect medium rare. I was excited to pour this wine with the delicate beef flavors, and it did not disappoint. Rich cassis aromas with nice elements of bell pepper and tobacco. Berries show up on the aftertaste. The wine shows medium tannins and a long, lingering finish, and should continue to improve for a few more years. Highly recommended, and make sure that you have friends and family around to enjoy it.

http://wine-by-benito.blogspot.com/2013/12/smith-madrone-wines.html

Creators.com, December 2013

Uncompromising integrity

General Cab Comment

Smith-Madrone Vineyards is owned and operated by Stuart and Charlie Smith, who founded the winery 42 years ago on Spring Mountain, overlooking the Napa Valley village of St. Helena. They make three wines: cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay and riesling. The brothers have uncompromising integrity in the vineyards and the cellar, and they believe even great wine should be affordable. Hence, the Smith-Madrone wines are priced well below the market for estate-grown Napa Valley wines with so much history behind them.

http://www.creators.com/lifestylefeatures/wine/wine-talk/fab-five-holiday-values.html

Food For The Spirit and The Soul blog by Robert Neralich

Intense...elegant...complex...accessible

2009 Cabernet Sauvignon

An intense but nonetheless elegant wine with plum, dark berry, and cherry aromas that lead to beautifully orchestrated currant, blackberry, dark plum, and black cherry flavors accompanied by hints of mocha, herbs, and toasty oak. The tannins of this wine are supple, and its finish is polished and lingering. This complex but accessible Smith-Madrone Cabernet Sauvignon would be the perfect match for beefsteak or game.

http://www.robertneralich.com/2013/12/17/its-in-the-name-three-wines-from-smith-madrone/

California Grapevine, Vol. 40, January 2014

Highly recommended

2009 Cabernet Sauvignon

Medium ruby; attractive, spicy, dark cherry and blackberry fruit aroma with hints of green olive, tobacco leaf, and cola; medium-full to full body; rich, fleshy, blackberry fruit flavors with notes of sandalwood and vanilla; medium-full to full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Well balanced and appealing to taste now. Third place in flight of nine Cabernet Sauvignons.

---

<< PREVIOUS - Page 14 of 14 - NEXT >>