2009 Chardonnay in the eyes of blogger Hawk Wakawaka
Please also check out Hawk Wakawaka’s unusual ‘comic’-style review of the 2009 Chardonnay: http://wp.me/p1XlmA-vQ
The Smith-Madrone Chardonnay undergoes full barrel fermentation followed by 9 months in new French oak. That said, the oak elements are well integrated here. This is a California style Chardonnay that can relax with its own innate characteristics, thereby setting you at ease to enjoy them too.
The nose shows as lightly candied, nutty, and chalky, with good fruit of yellow apple skin and mixed citrus zest, and hints of toast. The palate follows with the addition of light white pepper accents. The overall structure is very pleasing–there is rich texture, with great acidity, and a good medium-long finish.
I would love to let this Chardonnay age to drink again in a few years, but it drinks beautifully now as well. The overall style is richer than I tend to reach for on a Chardonnay, but, that said, I was pulled in by this wine and enjoyed it. It’s a California style Chardonnay with well done, balanced presentation and its own story to tell.
Smith-Madrone Vineyards & Winery will provide wines and a toast as The Cameo Cinema begins a year of celebrating its centennial. On May 15 at 8 p.m. the kick-off event will be a screening of the silent film, The Kings of the Forest, which had its very first screening at The Cameo on May 15, 1913. Tickets are $20 available online and at The Cameo (1340 Main Street, St. Helena). The evening will include not only this unprecedented screening of a historic film but also an introduction and commentary on The Cameo’s history by local historian Mariam Hansen, a toast from vintners Stu Smith and Charles Smith of Smith-Madrone Winery, desserts and also a sneak preview of Rod Vance’s upcoming documentary, Napa Valley Dreams. The Kings of The Forest will have live piano accompaniment by Mike Greensill.
The Cameo opened its doors on May 15, 1913, and this was the very first film shown—to an audience of 500 people. More about The Kings of The Forest: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selig_Polyscope_Company
A coincidence—-Smith-Madrone Winery opened its doors also on a May 15—in 1971. “We’re ‘only’ just celebrating our 41st anniversary,” said Stuart Smith, “so our respect for 100 years is enormous,” he added. Stuart and Charles are long-time fans of The Cameo, often zooming in to see a new movie fresh from the crush pad.
The Cameo’s centennial year will feature an event each month honoring its 100 years in business. More at http://arts.cameocinema.com/centennial/
The Cameo Cinema, at 100 years old, may be the oldest single screen movie house still operating in America. Today it is one of fewer than 25 single-screen single-owned theaters in the entire United States—and the only one with digital and 3-D capability. It was meticulously restored in 1997 with touches including a classic Art Deco lobby, purple-upholstered seats and movie star photo-wallpaper.
Vinography tweets about Smith-Madrone Cabernet
Alder Yarrow of Vinography tweeted “…Done with an evening of tasting wine samples. It wasn’t pretty. Highlights…Smith Madrone Cabernet, not much else…” and then when asked more about our Cabernet, “Smith Madrone hasn’t gone in for the trend in bigger and riper. Good wines almost always under 14% alc.”
Thank you for the kind words, Alder!
Charlie pouring Chardonnay (and Cabernet) at Cheers on 5/4
Come talk to Charlie at Cheers this Friday at 5:30 pm. He’ll be offering ’06 Cabernet and ’09 Chardonnay. Cheers is St. Helena’s downtown street party, kicking off its new season this week. As always, Smith-Madrone is happily stationed at Lolo’s, 1120 Main Street(http://www.lolosconsignment.com). It’s a chance to unwind and stroll, wine glass in hand, on a sprightly spring night!
Prof. Bainbridge tastes an ’01 Cabernet
Prof. Bainbridge pulled an ’01 Cabernet from his cellar:
Since last noted in 6/2010, this Spring Mountain-sourced Cabernet Sauvignon has continued to improve with additional age. Although it still has a lot of fruit (cassis and kirsch spring to mind as apt flavor associations, as does cola), it also exhibits a growing set of maturity markers such as cedar and tobacco. Excellent match for steak frites. I like it a lot. Grade: A-/A
BachToBacchus blog tastes the 2005 Cabernet
Blogger TJ Jones just added these notes to his Smith-Madrone entry: “Wanted you to know that we had your 2005 Cab for dinner with high quality rib eye steak. Even before the meal, my wife commented on how good the wine was, and she generally likes whites. Yeah, it was very good, indeed. Not at all the Parker type with over ripe fruit. Much drier, with good tannins and structure. But when the wine aired a bit, and especially when we paired it with steak, it really came into its own. This is a great Cab. Exceptional in every way. I took notes but who cares about notes? This is not a Cab everyone will love immediately unless it is given some air and, ideally, paired with some food. What this Cab has underneath the tannins is complexity. Unlike many bold Cabs, this one has layers of subtlety once the tannins are aired or paired.
Your Riesling hit me over the head at the winery and knocked me out after I tasted a bottle. Your Cab intrigued me at the winery, but a sample did not do it justice. This is a phenomenal Cab. I can’t wait to try your reserve and your 2007 when they are available, and I really need to taste more of your Chard. I still say your Riesling is the best American Riesling I’ve ever tasted and comparable to the best in the world. Now I have to say your Cab is among the best I’ve ever had. It improves with air, so will improve with time. But if you drink it now and pair it properly, it really comes into its own.
You make some great wines. To paraphrase Dylan Thomas, these are wines to make your toes tingle. Thanks for all of your hard work and dedication to growing and producing great wines. It makes life more interesting.”
Read the entire entry: http://bachtobacchus.blogspot.com/2011/12/smith-madrone-vineyards.html
A reviewer get ready to review!
Just arrived. Thank you!
