Riesling Reviews

Washington Post, October 4, 2019

Reliably outstanding

2016 Riesling

Napa Valley is the land of cabernet, but Smith-Madrone, on Spring Mountain at the Valley’s northern end, steadfastly maintains some of its higher-elevation vineyards with riesling. And riesling fans know its quality is reliably outstanding. The 2016 offers flavors of ripe peach and apricot, with a dash of wild herbs, and a mouth-filling texture that refuses to quit.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/food/this-delicious-12-washington-riesling-balances-ripe-fruit-and-citrus/2019/10/04/494d372a-e604-11e9-a6e8-8759c5c7f608_story.html

VinePair, Edward Deitch, September 26, 2019

Opulent fruit and refreshing acidity

2016 Riesling

Like many Napa Valley wineries, Smith-Madrone produces first-rate Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, the two most planted varieties in the region. But unlike most of its counterparts, Smith-Madrone also grows Riesling and has done so since 1972. Although there is a long history of Riesling in California, these days the variety is basically a footnote, which is a shame because wines like Smith-Madrone’s 2016 Riesling demonstrate the character the wines can achieve in the region. Key to that in Smith-Madrone’s case is the location of its 38 acres of vineyards, which are dry-farmed (they’re not irrigated) in volcanic soils at the top of Napa’s Spring Mountain. In the winery’s 2016 Riesling, we get both opulent California fruit and the refreshing acidity that is characteristic of Riesling. The $34 wine, which is made slightly off-dry (as most great Rieslings are) but is by no means sweet, is on the same level as some top Rieslings from Europe or New York’s Finger Lakes.

And it is simply delightful to drink, with ripe fruit notes of green apple, white peach, and apricot, accented by wet stone and petrol that round out the profile of this complex and delicious offering. For me, the Riesling is always the new release I anticipate most among Smith-Madrone’s wines. With moderate alcohol of 12.8 percent, it’s a versatile wine for food and is great to sip on its own. The 2016 accounted for 685 cases of the winery’s 3,000-case production. This is a California classic that will expand your thinking about Napa Valley wines.

https://vinepair.com/good-wine-reviews/smith-madrone-riesling-2016-napa-valley-calif/

St. Helena Star, Catherine Bugue, September 12, 2019

Only very special wines draw you into their story as you sip

2016 Riesling

Aromas of heady, red apple fruit have you the minute you put your nose in the glass. Memories of crisp summer apples, their juice running down your fingers as you take a crunchy bite quickly come to mind. Yet the red apple fruit is just the beginning of your aromatic journey with Smith-Madrone's Riesling. They draw you into this wine's delicious depths, adding Asian pear, guava, crushed stones, mineral, and a wisp of zesty lemon as you continue along its sensory path.

Only very special wines, while seemingly inanimate in the glass, draw you into their story as you sip, and this one's crispness, freshness and complexity is an ode to Spring Mountain roots, volcanic soil depth, and winemakers who cherish these natural influences and let them shine.

https://napavalleyregister.com/community/star/lifestyles/wine-of-the-week-smith-madrone-riesling-spring-mountain-district/article_3c6b4e88-b209-5565-a54c-5f9efeb066dd.html

Purely Domestic Wine Report, Doug Wilder, Issue 7.4, September 2019

93 points, Excellent focus and clarity on the finish

2016 Riesling

93 points: The nose is a fresh green apple acidity with whiffs of blossoms and ripe peach. The palate offers a bright, crisp and bone dry apple with a fragrant oiliness in the core. Excellent focus and clarity on the finish. Drink 2019-2028.

James Melendez, August 28, 2019

Splendidly well-crafted

2018 Riesling

A fantastic wine...splendidly well-crafted....winemaking vision and more in this video review.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zdzhu4GaKl8

Terroirist, Isaac Baker, August 24, 2019

A stunner for the cellar

2016 Riesling

Light yellow color. Gorgeous nose of salted limes, apricot, pineapple, with dusty, chalky, sea spray notes. Laser-like focus on the palate, quite dry and vibrant. Juicy yellow and green apples with limes, and a complex mix of limestone, ocean spray, mountain stream and crushed shells. Such a lively, complex, balanced and age-worthy Riesling. Smith-Madrone does it again, and this vintage is a stunner for the cellar. 

Smith-Madrone’s Spring Mountain wines are consistently some of my favorite from Napa, and I love their Chardonnay and Riesling in particular. So, since I tasted these wines sighted, I tried to approach them with as much skepticism as possible. That said, the 2016s showed wonderfully. Crystal clear, pristine wines, and both are worthy for serious cellar time. Especially considering the price, I’m still amazed these wines exist.

http://www.terroirist.com/2019/08/wine-reviews-international-grab-bag-16/#more-28411

NittanyEpicurean, Michael Chelus, August 23, 2019

Ideal aperitif

2016 Riesling

The wine showed a light golden color. Pear, lemon curd, apple, stone fruit and whiffs of petrol all arrived on the nose. Pear, pithy lemon, apple, candied citron, apricot and hints of petrol followed on the palate where the citrus was bright and abundant. The wine exhibited good acidity and balance, along with good structure and length. This wine would be an ideal aperitif and would also pair well with steamed lobster or crispy pork schnitzel. 

https://nittanyepicurean.blogspot.com/2019/08/2016-smith-madrone-riesling.html

Forbes, Tom Hyland, August 8, 2019

Outstanding: excellent ripeness with very good acidity

2015 Riesling

Bright yellow with a touch of amber. Aromas of yellow peach, apricot and orange blossom. Medium-full, this has excellent ripeness with very good acidity, and finishes dry with excellent varietal persistence. Great freshness and complexity, this is delicious, and is one of the great versions of dry Riesling from the United States. Enjoy over the next 3-5 years. Outstanding.

Stuart Smith, founder and enologist at Smith-Madrone in the Spring Mountain District of Napa Valley, decided upon Riesling when he founded the winery in the 1970s, as "there was no breakaway varietal," as he puts it, at that time in California. He noted that after a few years, his brother Charles and he "were doing a bang up job with Chardonnay, Cabernet and Riesling. Quite frankly we really liked—-loved—-Riesling. It’s one of the most versatile, fun, go-with-anything wines that’s out there."

Their Riesling is dry and has great complexity as well as notable varietal character, harmony, and perhaps most importantly, an outstanding sensation of pleasure; much of this derives from the sourcing of the grapes, between 1400 and 1900 feet above sea level, assuring small yields along with moderate temperatures, even during a hot spell in Napa. "My brother and I have spent our entire adult lives making great Riesling and promoting it," Smith remarks. "We make a great one, there’s no question about that. In addition it ages, matures, evolves and develops in ways that 90% of wines don’t. Also, with Riesling you get the pure expression of the grape. If there’s such a thing as terroir, Riesling is 'it,' because it’s fermented in stainless steel, aged in stainless steel, clarified and bottled right out of stainless steel. There’s no interference with the purity and the expression of the grape.

"There’s no French or American oak, no lees, no batonnage, no malolactic, no micro-oxygenation or like type of manipulation. This is the purest expression and form that a grape can give. It’s why I think Riesling isn’t one of the great white grapes of the world, it’s one of the great wine grapes of the world (along with Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay)."

https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomhyland/2019/08/08/the-pleasures-of-dry-riesling/#546be96d1a0d

EllenOnWine, Ellen Landis, July 30, 2019

Vitalizing and elegant with immaculate balance

2016 Riesling

The classic petrol and citrus blossom aromas simple scream what is in this glass—a beautifully crafted, irresistible dry Riesling.  Unwinding with enchantment are layers of sun-ripened peaches, lemon basil, nectarines, fresh squeezed lime juice, and a solid thread of minerality creating a kaleidoscope of vibrant flavors on the palate.  Vitalizing and elegant with immaculate balance, and the finish soars

http://www.ellenonwine.com/1944

The Bohemian, August 7, 2019

Holy honeycomb-lanolin gelato!

2016 Riesling

Holy honeycomb-lanolin gelato! Sounds sweet? It's not sweet. Riesling can develop scents that seem tantalizingly dulcet, yet the wine remains crisp, dry and refreshing. The lanolin note is like a softer version of the "petrol," or mineral oil, aroma that aged Rieslings (and some younger ones) may show, and there's a tinge of herb, as well—though it's not as "würzy" as Gewürztraminer. Dry Riesling is great with seafood—like, say a shrimp off that barbie.

https://www.bohemian.com/northbay/oz-at-home/Content?oid=9071922

Vine Pair, Emily Saladino, April 17, 2019

Racy

2015 Riesling

This is what people mean when they call wine ‘racy,’” one of our tasters said upon sipping this California Riesling. Its acidity is bright but balanced by soft fruit and a funky nose. Its deliciously long finish impressed our panel, as did its aging potential.

https://vinepair.com/buy-this-booze/9-best-dry-riesling-wines/?fbclid=IwAR0BNk8Hm1_wx65WbZjQqH0SWmziAoy4OD4uExVtmqC-WmVJ04omv2wuuf4

Napa Sonoma Magazine, Laura Levy Shatkin, March 2019

Crisp citrus fruit and more

2015 Riesling

Founded in 1971 by Stuart Smith, Smith-Madrone is one of the few entirely estate-vineyard mountain wineries in Napa’s Spring Mountain District. The winery’s grapes are dry-farmed, growing on the mountain’s steep slopes at elevations between 1,300 and 2,000 feet. This white is refreshing yet round, with crisp citrus fruit, apricot, pear, minerality, and bright acidity. 

http://www.napasonomamagazine.com/Napa-Sonoma-Mag/March-2019/New-Sips-in-Napa-and-Sonoma/

Spitbucket, Amber LeBeau, February 19, 2019

Outstanding

2015 Riesling

High-intensity nose. Green apple and apricot. Very fresh smelling. As the wine warms, petrol also shows up adding more complexity. On the palate, the same high-intensity of the nose carries through with very vivid and intense green apple and apricot. The high, mouthwatering acidity also highlights some lime as well as a stony flint note that reminds me more of a Sancerre than a Riesling. Dry with medium body weight. Long-finish brings back the petrol but it’s not as intense as the fruit.

This is an outstanding Riesling that I’m disappointed that it took me this long to discover. At $30-35, this is on the high-end for American Rieslings. But I’m not pulling your leg when I’m saying that this is, hands down, the best domestic Riesling that I’ve tried. I’m spoiled with a lot of great Washington State Rieslings but this tops them. I would put this Smith-Madrone more on par with minerally Trocken Rieslings from Germany.

However, the last Riesling that impressed this much was the Alsatian Cuvée Frédéric Emile from Trimbach. While a different style, this Smith-Madrone is not that far off in quality and is certainly worth the splurge. If you can find it, grab it.

https://spitbucket.net/2019/02/18/60-second-wine-review-smith-madrone-riesling/?subscribe=error#495

Santa Rosa Press Democrat, December 22, 2018

Pitch perfect balance: impressive

2015 Riesling

This complex riesling has layered notes of papaya, petrol and honeysuckle. It’s nice and dry, with bright acidity. Pitch perfect balance. Impressive.

https://www.pressdemocrat.com/lifestyle/9084734-181/picking-out-sonoma-county-wines?sba=AAS

Gabe Sasso,TheDailyMeal, December 19, 2018

Reference-quality Riesling

2015 Riesling

There are a handful of riesling producers in Napa Valley, but Smith-Madrone is the one that truly matters most. One vintage after another, they release reference-quality riesling that is delicious and often age-worthy. Peach and apricot aromas are joined by a hint of lilac. The palate is even-keeled with continuing stone fruit and a dollop of spice. The mineral-laden finish shows off a kiss of lemon curd. Firm acid provides a great backbone. Whether you drink it now or age it for a couple of decades, this wine showcases Smith-Madrone’s mastery of riesling.

https://www.thedailymeal.com/drink/drinkable-gifts-any-occasion/slide-7

Vinography, Alder Yarrow, December 8, 2018

2015 Riesling

As usual, one of the best Rieslings made in California. Pale yellow-gold in the glass, this wine smells of petrol and pear and honeysuckle. In the mouth, lemon and pear flavors have a hint of tangerine and a touch of butterscotch as they crackle with excellent acidity across the palate. Wet-chalkboard minerality leaves a clean dry feeling on the palate with only the whisper of aromatic sweetness.

http://www.vinography.com/archives/2018/12/vinography_unboxed_week_of_122.html

Elaine Brown, HawkWakaWaka, November 2018

Delicious

2015 Riesling

So, this is delicious. Smith-Madrone 2015 Riesling, grown on the high elevation slopes of the Spring Mountain District in the Mayacamas Mountains. Loving the current vintage. Yum. 

 

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BqWEnNyH1-8/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BqWEnNyH1-8/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BqWEnNyH1-8/

Vinepair, November 2018

One of the 50 Best Wines of 2018

2015 Riesling

Riesling is probably not the first grape that comes to mind when you think of Napa Valley, but, if you like Austrian Rieslings, this bottle is right up your alley. The 2015 vintage is bright and bone dry, with almond blossom and lemon aromas, plus a hint of petrol. Flavors include white peach, pear, lemon, and bittersweet blood orange.

https://vinepair.com/articles/best-wines-2018/

https://vinepair.com/articles/best-wines-2018/
https://vinepair.com/articles/best-wines-2018/

Orange County Register, Paul Hodgins, November 15, 2018

Racy and delicious

2015 Riesling

Smith Madrone has been growing Riesling in the Spring Mountain District since 1971.... the 2015 release is the very definition of racy. It is bright, clean and delicious, with grace notes of citrus fruit and honeysuckle.

https://www.ocregister.com/2018/11/15/holiday-food-this-year-let-your-wine-tell-some-stories/

Santa Rosa Press Democrat, Peg Melnik, November 14, 2018

Impressive, pitch perfect balance

2015 Riesling

This complex riesling has layered notes of papaya, petrol and honeysuckle. It’s nice and dry, with bright acidity. Pitch perfect balance. Impressive.

https://www.pressdemocrat.com/lifestyle/8935952-181/wine-of-the-week-carlisle?ref=related

Grape-Experiences, Cindy Rynning, October 11, 2018

True expression of terroir

2015 Riesling

Thanks to consistency in quality, I’ll always keep wines from Smith-Madrone Vineyards on my go-to list. Offering a unique surprise in each sip, the Smith-Madrone Riesling 2015 presented aromas of stone fruit, juicy peaches, and tropical fruit. Full bodied and balanced, the glorious dry Riesling burst with intense, broad, and racy notes of orchard fruit, herbs, and mouthwatering acidity. Lean but not bone dry, the finish was persistent and absolutely delightful with elements of minerality and citrus. The Smith-Madrone Riesling 2015, fermented in stainless steel, was not blended with other varietals and did not experience malolactic fermentation or lees stirring. A true expression of terroir? You bet! A Riesling from Napa? This is one of the best surprises you’ll have! Only 685 cases were made.

http://www.grape-experiences.com/2018/10/new-releases-favorite-producers/

St. Helena Star, Catherine Bugue, September 25, 2018

A depth of aromas

2015 Riesling

Peel away the layers of a wine, and you’ll often find that the people behind the label are one of the most intriguing parts of the story. What brought the vintners or growers to this point? What luck or derailments have they experienced along the way? Stu and Charlie Smith have volumes to tell; they’ve been on Spring Mountain since the early 1970s. Armed with Berkeley degrees, they combine smarts with a no-nonsense approach, and make wines, like this Riesling, that don’t just show deliciously attractive fruit, but a depth of aromas that reveal themselves slowly and seductively in the glass. Put this Riesling next to many others, and you’ll see the difference. Even Germany, the quintessential home of the Riesling grape, recently purchased a pallet of Smith Madrone Riesling! For parts of their story, visit smithmadrone.com. To experience their "salt-of-the-earth" character and incredible line-up of wines, you’ll need to make an appointment and head up the hill.

https://napavalleyregister.com/community/star/lifestyles/wine-of-the-week-smith-madrone-riesling-spring-mountain/article_35b0cfac-7dcd-5cb4-a484-d1966739f9f0.html

Santa Rosa Press Democrat, September 19, 2018, Peg Melnik

Pitch perfect balance

2015 Riesling

This complex riesling has layered notes of papaya, petrol and honeysuckle. It’s nice and dry, with bright acidity. Pitch perfect balance. Impressive.

https://www.pressdemocrat.com/lifestyle/8741043-181/wine-of-the-week-husch

Santa Rosa Press Democrat, Linda Murphy, September 11, 2018

Incredible ripe fruitiness...and bracing acidity

2015 Riesling

There is an incredible ripe fruitiness to this wine — white peach, apricot, citrus and orange marmalade — for such a lean alcohol level. Bracing acidity balanced the fruit bowl.

There is an incredible ripe fruitiness to this wine — white peach, apricot, citrus and orange marmalade — for such a lean alcohol level. Bracing acidity balanced the fruit bowl.

The Wine Guys, Philip Kuo, September 11, 2018

94 points: the measuring stick for California Riesling

2015 Riesling

94 points: Every year, there comes a wine from Spring Mountain that is consistently an insane steal of a value and to us, one of if not the finest domestic Riesling around. Notes of white peach, crushed rock, yellow apple, honey, citrus peel, jasmine, lime and subtle spice. Refreshing and crisp palate, super clean, the acidity and minerality really sing. Well balanced, not overly sweet, just purity and freshness that rings throughout. Absolutely beautiful and the measuring stick of California Riesling. Enjoy now over the next 20+ years. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnkXehpANuf/?taken-by=thewineguys

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