Riesling Reviews

Ellen Irving, Scrumptious Gruel, May 29, 2025

All the energy is steadfast fruit

2019 Riesling

This wine smells of orchard hope. Pink lady apples and white nectarines. Things to be harvested–who knows what is to come. It also smells of knowledge–steeliness, resolve. A wine person may put it under the umbrella of minerality. In general, I’d call it a life choice that won’t stop exciting. Zip, energy, currents of electricity carry it across the palate, but under all the energy is steadfast fruit. Who could tire of it? Not I.


https://scrumptiousgruel.wordpress.com/2025/05/29/a-very-special-girl/

Enofylz, Martin Redmond, June 1, 2025

If you’re looking for a dry California Riesling that reflects both a singular mountain site and an unwavering commitment to excellence, look no further than Smith-Madrone’s!

2016 Riesling

Each week, I spotlight a wine that truly captivates—whether for its distinctive character, fascinating story, or the sheer delight it brings to the glass. This week’s feature: the 2016 Smith-Madrone Riesling, a wine that stands apart for all the right reasons. In a region famed for bold Cabernet and opulent Chardonnay, this mountain-grown Riesling is a rare and radiant outlier—a vivid testament to both site and stewardship. The winery produces five estate wines, each a direct reflection of its mountain terroir:

Riesling: A vivid expression of Spring Mountain—zippy, mineral-driven, and pure

Chardonnay: Rich yet fresh, a harmonious balance of power and precision.

Rosé: A playful blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, crisp and full of character.

Cabernet Sauvignon: Deep and structured, blended with touches of Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

Cabernet Franc: A new and exciting addition to their lineup.

Cook’s Flat Reserve: A limited-production flagship, crafted only in exceptional vintages.

Smith-Madrone was founded with a clear vision: to craft exceptional Riesling, capitalizing on its rugged mountain site and steep, well-drained slopes. Stu Smith has often likened marketing Riesling to a Sisyphean task. True to that spirit of perseverance, in 1983, Smith-Madrone became trailblazers by changing their wine label from “Johannisberg Riesling” to simply “Riesling,” standing firm against regulatory resistance. For 17 years, they were the only American winery to make this bold move, ultimately prevailing in their quest to streamline the name. Their Riesling is crafted from 100% estate-grown fruit planted in 1972, with most vines still thriving on their original rootstock—a rare and remarkable testament to tradition and terroir in a region where Riesling is a true rarity.

Tasting note: 92 points: Pale golden yellow with enticing aromas of dried apricot, honey, beeswax, petrol, and Key lime zest. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied and dry with zesty mouthwatering acidity and flavors of green apple, white peach, green melon, Key lime, a hint of starfruit, and a gentle thread of honey. The finish is long, and layered. If you’re looking for a dry California Riesling that reflects both a singular mountain site and an unwavering commitment to excellence, look no further than Smith-Madrone’s!


https://enofylzwineblog.com/2025/06/01/wine-of-the-week-2016-smith-madrone-riesling/

Carl Giavanti, WineCharacters, May 28, 2025

Excellent example of what a Napa riesling can be

2019 Riesling

This is a classic. It has all the hallmarks and characteristics of a German or Alsatian Riesling – golden hued, citrus and stone fruited, mouth-watering acidity, and maybe a hint of honey and petrol. This is a full-bodied creamy wine, and I can’t put my glass down. I am now in search of charcuterie of any kind to pair and contrast. The estate vineyards are farmed at high elevation in the Spring Mountain District of Napa Valley. The vineyards must be in an ideal fruiting zone for this variety, which would account for the minerality and acidity balance. My take is that this is an excellent example of what a Napa riesling can be – fruit and acid still intact after 6 years of aging. The wine is drinking just right at this moment, but I’m intrigued by the tech notes that suggest holding up to 2039. Should I make it until then, this is a wine I’d love to be sipping.


https://winecharacters.com/2019-smith-madrone-estate-riesling/

Bloomberg Pursuits Magazine, Elin McCoy, May 13, 2025

Gorgeous texture and mouthwatering acidity

2019 Riesling

Can you build a great wine cellar using only American bottles?....Can you fill a good, wide-ranging wine cellar without importing a thing? You can get pretty close. US regions have unique terroirs as well....The first vintage of this ageworthy white made at the estate on Spring Mountain made its debut in 1977. This one has a citrus and mineral purity with gorgeous texture and mouthwatering acidity.


https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2025-05-13/can-you-build-a-great-wine-cellar-using-only-american-bottles?accessToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJzb3VyY2UiOiJTdWJzY3JpYmVyR2lmdGVkQXJ0aWNsZSIsImlhdCI6MTc0NzIyOTIyNiwiZXhwIjoxNzQ3ODM0MDI2LCJhcnRpY2xlSWQiOiJTVzc1UEVEV0xVNjgwMCIsImJjb25uZWN0SWQiOiI1NEVDNjVBNTRCOTk0NEM1OEJGMThDREJCNENGOTI5QyJ9.yyFwJaPPeHH5pj_QHEk0QjdIYF8dO25-05e2Qqq1qhI&leadSource=uverify%20wall

Antonio Galloni, Vinous, December 2024

Another fabulous wine from Smith-Madrone

2019 Riesling

94 points: Drinking Window 2025 - 2030. The 2019 Riesling is another fabulous wine from Smith-Madrone. It offers tons of varietal character wedded to mountain structure. Lime, dried flowers, chamomile, orchard fruit, spice and jasmine all race across the palate. I especially admire the precision here. The finish is long and fresh.


https://vinous.com/wines/smith-madrone-riesling/2019

Jeff Kralik, The Drunken Cyclist, May 9, 2025

Yowza. Outstanding.

2019 Riesling

96 points. Outstanding.  Believe it or not, the 2019 Riesling is the current release from Smith-Madrone. Think about that for a moment; while it is certainly common to see a red wine that has 2-3 years on it, this has six and is a white. Why do I mention that? It’s fairly simple. Stu and Charlie Smith don’t really care about what others do or, worse still, what they might think–they are not going to adapt their winemaking, marketing, or business strategies unless it benefits the wine. Case in point. While this wine is six years old, other than a bit of color (I would call it about halfway between straw and yellow), this wine belies its age. Fresh, fruity, and even exuberant, this Napa Riesling makes even the most casual wino wonder why there isn’t more of the variety in this country’s most renowned region. Rich, racy, and refined, this wine starts with plenty of petrol and pear on the nose along with some kiwi, lemon rind, and minerality. The palate is quite tart initially, close to bracing, but it settles down quickly and all that fruit comes to the fore. Holy cow. By the finish, the wine has come into near-perfect balance and the harmony is glorious. Yes, this is fantastic, but it also could use some time, even a lot of time. Don’t get me wrong, this is fabulous now, but a grain of restraint would pay off as soon as 3-5 years out, or as much as 20 or more. Yowza.


https://thedrunkencyclist.com/2025/05/09/the-random-samples-5-9-2025/

SommJesus Instagram, Stephen McConnell, May 2, 2025

At 6 this thing is just beginning to shine, beauty apparent

2019 Riesling

The petrol hits you first. As it should. Don't like petrol in your Riesling? Unfollow me. Then the clairvoyant cellar floor of petrichor muddled with spicy apple and plum. Gracefully chalky while expressive in sharp terms, a finish going passion fruit and acidic blueberry for ever and ever through tannins dirty and wild, prompted with ash and cigar-tinged briar and herbaceousness. Drink it at 55-60° because seriously chilled you lose EVERYTHING and it just becomes another Pinot grigio cold white wine, shutting down all receptors indicting the true beauty contained. At 6, this thing is just beginning to shine, still harsh and young, beauty apparent, but wait for a bit of tertiary polish. This is a visceral wine, an intellectual wine, not a single issue contained, something which should be regularly trotted out at 100 points, but it won’t, because people don't get it. But you do.


https://www.instagram.com/p/DJLV6dzO2kQ/

WineX, April 25, 2025

Good enough to put the category on notice....best Riesling I've sipped in seasons...no contest

2019 Riesling

You know that rare, almost scandalous thrill when someone who’s supposed to play it safe just throws down a performance so electric it resets the whole damn game? That’s the 2019 Smith-Madrone Riesling.

In a Napa world obsessed with flexing Cab muscle, this Riesling hits like a whispered secret — cooler, hotter, and way more interesting. From the heights of Spring Mountain, where the air is thin and the vines are thick with attitude, Smith-Madrone’s latest offering isn’t just “good for a Napa Riesling” — it’s good enough to put the entire category on notice. This is crisp green apple and wet stone foreplay, followed by a citrus-soaked kiss that somehow manages to feel both pure and wicked.

Best Riesling I’ve sipped in seasons. No contest. Like getting a private invite to Dua Lipa’s afterparty when everyone else is still lined up at the velvet rope. She’s reinventing pop glamor with effortless cool — and that’s exactly what Smith-Madrone is doing for Napa Riesling.

Sip it slow, sip it scandalous. Sip it with someone who knows how to get into a little weekend trouble.
This wine didn’t come to behave. It came to steal your Friday night.

Wine X Sez: XXX— and that’s me pretending to be modest.


https://www.instagram.com/p/DI4VGkQy3BD/

Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com, March 331, 2025

Rich, concentrated, yet racy, vibrant Riesling

2019 Riesling

91 points: Medium gold-hued, with a bright, juicy, off-dry style, the 2019 Riesling offers terrific aromatics of honeyed citrus, mint, and lychee nut. Nicely balanced and medium-bodied, with bright acidity and a great finish, it's a rich, concentrated, yet racy, vibrant Riesling.


https://jebdunnuck.com/wines/743591/

Lauren Walsh, SwirlingDervish, February 7, 2025

Lovely...tangy acidity...long finish

2019 Riesling

Last summer, Gabe and I moved to New York City full-time. Lots of things factored into our decision: his family is local, mine just 90 minutes away; we have a fantastic group of friends here; and, well, it’s the Big Apple, there's no place in the world quite like it. Eight months in, we’re still convinced we made the right decision. Some days my body wants to argue the point. After two decades in South Florida, this winter (the chilliest in years) has hit me hard, mentally and physically. Apparently, I’m now a snowflake who can’t hack the cold. Luckily there are remedies to brighten my spirit and warm my bones. The lovely Riesling wines from Smith-Madrone in Napa Valley are a tonic in any season. Summer or winter, the aromas and flavors of orange, lime, pineapple, and white flowers bring good cheer. And they are always wonderful partners with whatever’s on the dinner table.

A few nights ago, as I heard the freezing rain pelt my windows, I knew I needed to create summer in my kitchen. Then I remembered a recent post written by my friend Jane Niemeyer at Always Ravenous. Her own case of the winter doldrums led to the creation of a super-fresh and flavorful lunch salad. One I wanted to eat immediately! Jane’s creativity inspired me to follow suit. I had fresh swordfish filets in the fridge, as well as the fixings for a romaine salad with fresh oranges and walnuts. And damned if I didn’t have a bottle of the perfect wine as well!

2019 Smith-Madrone Napa Valley Riesling

Color: Bright lemon

Aromas: Orange, lime, and lemon; a hint of petrol, orange blossom, honey. More pronounced as it warms in the glass. Smells like a tropical garden, somewhere I want to be right now.

Palate: Medium-bodied with tangy acidity; flavors of pineapple, green apple, white grapefruit. Long finish with notes of honey and orange.

Pairing: Grilled swordfish and romaine salad dressed with fresh oranges, walnuts, and feta.

Everything on the table channeled warmer weather. In fact, the swordfish and oranges let me imagine I was dining on the beach in Sicily. The Riesling co-signed that notion, doubling down on the fresh orange notes. One of my favorite pairings in a while, this meal transported me back to warm weather, balmy breezes, and utter contentment.

Thank you, Smith-Madrone, for a welcome winter escape!
 

 
 
 


https://theswirlingdervish.com/2025/02/07/my-first-full-winter-in-20-years-thank-goodness-for-smith-madrone-riesling/

Planet Grape, Catherine Fallis, January 29, 2025

Full, bold, tangy and nearly dry 

2019 Riesling

Full, bold, tangy and nearly dry with notes of lemon, green apple, nectarine, banana bread, crystallized ginger and honeysuckle.


https://planetgrapewinereview.com/newworldwine_reviews/2019-smith-madrone-riesling-spring-mountain-district-napa-valley/

https://thefinewinereview.substack.com/p/smith-madrone-spring-mountain-district

Plenty of Riesling citrus fruit and minerality

2019 Riesling

This is a straightforward dry Riesling with a firm, medium-weight body and plenty of Riesling citrus fruit and minerality in the nose and mouth. The wine is young, fresh, and crisp and should age well for some time. 


Claude Kolm, The Fine Wine Review, January 22, 2025

Owen Bargreen, January 17, 2025

Palate is beautifully textured and deep, with good richness and loads of mouth-watering acidity

2019 Riesling

Coming from their estate vineyard, the 2019 Smith-Madrone Riesling checks in at 13.3% alcohol. Brilliant petrol fumes hit the nose alongside wet grass and straw alongside bright peach on the nose. The palate is beautifully textured and deep, with good richness and loads of mouth-watering acidity. Delicious to consume now, enjoy over the next eight plus years to come. What a beautiful foil for Thai food! Drink 2025-2032.


https://owenbargreen.com/blog/2025/1/17/smith-madrone

Alec Termer, Amateur Sommelier, January 17, 2025

This wine stands out

2019 Riesling

With a bright golden hue and an aroma that flows out of the glass, this Riesling really stands out amongst the other NorCal Rieslings. The aroma is lively with pear, green apple, light citrus, honey, and some minerality. The taste is similar to the aroma, but with a different focus. There is an acidic start with green apple, some pear, Meyer lemon, a little sea salt, honeysuckle, cream, and some floral notes. There is a medium ish acidity that helps to really bring out the different fruit aspects without being offensive. The citrus and green apple really are focal point, but they help to break apart some of the heavier tastes. There is a long follow through in the aftertaste, where the acidity blends with the minerality and gives you a small hint of white pepper.


https://www.instagram.com/p/DE7tuxYR7kj/

Purely Domestic Wine Report, Doug Wilder, Issue 11.1, December 2024

Lean fresh and penetrating

2019 Riesling

The nose is classic sliced green apple, camauba wax and small orange and yellow citrus.  Lean, fresh and penetrating in the front of the palate it fills the core with an oily lemon and mineral purity that leaves a slight waxiness on the finish. ..consistently regarded highly since its release in 1977, nobody else in the state has come close to championing this variety as has Smith-Madrone. Drink 2024-2040.


http://www.purelydomesticwinereport.com/

Talk-a-vino, Anatoli Levine, December 27, 2024

Spectacular

2019 Riesling

Spectacular. First, it offered a tremendous pop of petrol on the nose – and nothing makes my Riesling lover’s heart happier than these petrol aromatics, coupled with a whiff of honeysuckle. On the palate, it was fresh, energetic, with a wide range of citrus flavors readily present, from Meyer lemon to oranges and mandarins, supported by clean acidity and a perfectly cleansing acidic finish. Delicious, and an “oh my God, this is so good!” wine.

 


https://talk-a-vino.com/2024/12/27/an-evening-of-pure-pleasure/

AdVinetures, Chris & Alison Wallace, December 11, 2024

Lively, racy, very textured

2019 Riesling

We continue to marvel at the fact that both great Cabernet and great Riesling can be grown from the same vineyard! Flavours of green apple, lemon and lime are delivered on a medium body with medium acid. This is lively and racy but also very textured, similar in style to some of the top Alsatian Rieslings we have tasted. Very refreshing! Excellent.


https://advinetures.ca/smith-madrone-vineyards-rooted-in-resilience/

Martin Redmond, Enofylz, December 8, 2024

Exceptional

2018 Riesling

Wine of the Week: 92 points: Smith-Madrone was founded with a clear vision: to craft exceptional Riesling, capitalizing on its rugged mountain site and steep, well-drained slopes. Stu Smith has often likened marketing Riesling to a Sisyphean task. True to that spirit of perseverance, in 1983, Smith-Madrone became trailblazers by changing their wine label from “Johannisberg Riesling” to simply “Riesling,” standing firm against regulatory resistance. For 17 years, they were the only American winery to make this bold move, ultimately prevailing in their quest to streamline the name. Their Riesling is crafted from 100% estate-grown fruit planted in 1972, with most vines still thriving on their original rootstock—a rare and remarkable testament to tradition and terroir in a region where Riesling is a true rarity.

Tasting Note: Pale lemon color with with petrol, flint, white peach, green pear, lime zest and lemon oil aromas with hints of spice and wet stone. On the palate, it’s on the lighter side of medium -bodied and very fresh mouth-watering acidity with green pear, white peach, Key lime zest, lemon, subtle spice, and hints of honey and ginger with an appealing wet stone minerality. Lengthy finish. 

The wine was fantastic paired with Coconut Curry Chickpeas With Pumpkin and Lime and Tofu. The Smith-Madrone Riesling is a perennial favorite of mine—not only because it’s absolutely delicious but also because it’s wonderfully food-friendly. Case in point: it paired beautifully with Coconut Curry Chickpeas With Pumpkin and Lime, accompanied by a side of tofu. The wine’s bright acidity and vibrant citrus notes perfectly balanced the dish’s creamy, spicy flavors. In a region celebrated for bold reds and opulent Chardonnays, the 2018 Smith-Madrone Riesling stands out as a rare gem—a testament to the artistry and dedication of the Smith brothers. It’s a treat to sip a world-class Riesling from the Napa Valley, a wine that’s as unexpected as it is exceptional.

 


https://enofylzwineblog.com/2024/12/08/wine-of-the-week-2018-smith-madrone-riesling/

The Syrah Queen, Rupal Shankar, November 26, 2024

The wine is racy and beautifully balanced

2019 Riesling

Best White Wines To Pair With Your Turkey: This wine is 100% Riesling, grown on the steeply sloped estate vineyards surrounding the winery at the top of the Spring Mountain District. Aromatically, the wine opens with Meyer lemons, pomelo, orange flowers, and just a dab of mandarin orange hiding shyly behind a rose bush. This is all backed up with a solid dose of minerality. On the palate, the wine is racy and beautifully balanced with a backbone of juicy fruit acidity.  Consider pouring Smith-Madrone Riesling with your Thanksgiving turkey for a unique twist that will be sure to excite the palate. The wine’s high acidity and minerality balance the turkey’s flavors without overpowering them.


https://syrahqueen.com/the-best-wines-to-elevate-your-thanksgiving-feast/

Dorothy Gaiter & John Brecher, GrapeCollective, November 4, 2024

Elegant and subtle

2019 Riesling

Look for this Riesling, whether you’re a Riesling fan or not. Smith-Madrone is a classic Napa winery and, when it was founded, Riesling was its inaugural wine. We’ve been fans of this wine and this winery for a very long time and it’s wonderful that its focus has remained true — and we mean that about the winery and the wine. The current release is 2019, which will give you some idea how beautifully this wine matures. It’s elegant and subtle, with balanced acidity and tastes of various fruits, like tart, juicy Honey Crisp apples and a tangy citrus. But no single taste shouts and the wine finishes very clean, fresh and dry. Too many whites today, even expensive ones, seem to hit us over the head. This is relaxed and confident enough to say, “Hey, stop for a minute and enjoy.”


https://www.instagram.com/p/DB66mzfSrby/

Michael Kelly, CaliforniaWinesandWineries, October 24, 2024

Extremely aromatic with floral notes and green apple

2019 Riesling

The 2019 Riesling is extremely aromatic with floral notes and green apple on the nose. A more golden yellow color than previous vintage with medium viscosity. On the palate, hints of lemon zest, mixed with stone fruits (white peach and apricots) tame the lime citrus. A modicum of beeswax makes it extremely mouth filling. On the finish, the minerality comes through strong and pure from either the volcanic soil, or sandstone, limestone or the general rocky soil found on the property. The minerality and acidity is jovial and enticing with a semi-sweet crescendo.

The Food and Wine Pairing: Duck, Pork, Bacon, Chicken, Shrimp, and Crab are suggested foods for Riesling. Chose this wine to pair with one of my favorite dishes, Chicken Pad Thai. The Smith-Madrone 2019 Estate Riesling was pulled from cellar for last night’s meal due to spiciness of the dish, Chicken Pad Thai, or at least the way we prepare it! Last evening went with a much more flavorful and spicier recipe. The ingredients were fresh whole wheat noodles, virgin olive oil, minced garlic, cooked chicken, eggs, bean sprouts, sliced red bell pepper, green onions, peanuts and lime juice. The Pad Thai sauce included fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, Momofoku Chili Crunch and creamy peanut butter!   The Riesling’s very dry with a tinge of semi-sweet finish was spot on for this meal. Limes were plated to squeeze the juice over the top of the dish as well as ground peanuts and green onion slices. The 2019 Smith-Madrone Riesling was a godsend. The wine was refreshing and quenched the palate. The 2018 Smith-Madrone Riesling had made the Best Wines tasted in 2023 and the 2019 will also make my Best Wines tasted in 2024! We stock this wine specifically for this food and wine pairing.


https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2024/10/24/2019-smith-madrone-vineyards-and-pad-thai-a-perfect-marriage/

The Wine Advocate, Joe Czerwinski, October 17, 2024

Scents of honey and Golden Delicious apples

2019 Riesling

90 points: Marked by scents of honey and Golden Delicious apples, the 2019 Riesling retains plenty of current-drinking appeal. Medium-bodied and crisp, it finishes long. Drink it up over the next several years.


https://www.robertparker.com/wines/jDwvPj4NGuKvEGaiG/smith-madrone-riesling-2019

Wine Enthusiast, Elaine Chukan Brown, December 2024

Sophisticated...delicious now and will develop beautifully

2019 Riesling

94 points: Brightening aromatics carry into abundant flavors of salted lemon, lime zest and grapefruit pith. A pleasingly textural palate makes this sophisticated Riesling a perfect accompaniment for a range of foods. It is delicious now and will develop beautifully in the bottle. A firm and enticing wine.



Ellen Landis, EllenOnWine, September 30, 2024

This gem is equally mesmerizing on the palate

2019 Riesling

The alluring wet stone, citrusy aroma clearly shouts out Riesling. This gem is equally mesmerizing on the palate. Vibrant flavors of nectarine, white peach, green apple, minerality, lemon gelato, and mandarin orange, enhanced by classic brisk acidity, interlaced. The long and zesty finish shows off a splash of fresh lime. It is drinking beautifully now while promising many years of enjoyment ahead.


https://ellenonwine.com/ellen-on-wine/tcn12mxtfrpbuklghsxczwrznqvkhe-7blkd

Michael Chelus, NittanyEpicurean, September 30, 2024

Good acidity and balance

2019 Riesling

This wine is 100% riesling from the Spring Mountain District. It was both fermented and briefly aged in stainless steel. The wine showed a straw color. Pear, lemon, apple, tangerine and slate could each be found on the nose. Pear, lemon curd and peach brought the crisp palate to life also supported by notes of apple and hints of tangerine. The wine exhibited good acidity and balance. It was light-bodied and demonstrated good length. This wine would pair very well with a classic preparation of Coquilles St. Jacques.


https://nittanyepicurean.blogspot.com/2024/09/2019-smith-madrone-estate-riesling.html
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