Smith Madrone Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. In 1971 the 22-year old Stuart Smith partnered with friends and family to purchase the estate which would become Smith-Madrone. At the time Smith was studying at UC Davis for his Master's in Viticulture and while looking for outstanding land to plant vineyards he stumbled across this remote area of Spring Mountain which had actually been a vineyard in the 1880s. Smith quickly realised the potential of the property and today he is recognised as one of the pioneers of modern Napa mountain wines. Smith’s Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted from 100% estate-grown grapes planted on steep slopes of up to 35 degrees of incline at the top of Spring Mountain. This combination of 1800ft of elevation and steep gradients helps to ensure the vines get plenty of sun exposure and retain freshness and balance thanks to the cooler nights during the ripening season. In the winery the young wine is matured in a mixture of new and used French oak barrels for 18 months. On the nose there are rich and intense notes of bramble, cassis, violets, and olives while the first sip reveals a full body, silky smooth tannins, and juicy dark berry flavours which linger long on the tongue.

Price: £66.31 from 8wines UK