Smith Madrone Chardonnay 2018
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James
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Winemaker Notes
The first thing you notice about the 2018 Chardonnay is its lovely green/gold color. Then it’s the oh-so-promising aroma: a little toasty, a little lemony, some stone fruit. Sure enough, on the palate, the wine delivers as promised. And then some. It is firm, crisp and full simultaneously without being the least bit ponderous. In spite of its power, it maintains a graceful, elegant stance in perfect harmony with a succulent mid-palate. The second half of the wine transitions seamlessly to a long, clean, crisp and altogether lip-smacking finish. The overall impression is one of bright flavors, youthful vigor and superb structure.
Professional Ratings
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Tasting Panel
Dry-farmed fruit from estate vineyards atop Spring Mountain aged nine months in (55% new) French oak. Vanilla nougat and lemon cream are discernible, as are apricot notes on the middle of the palate. Leesy and sensual, with vibrant star fruit imparting crispness. A gorgeous, glossy, and elegant vintage.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2018 Smith-Madrone Vineyards & Winery Chardonnay is packed and husky yet admirably structured. TASTING NOTES: This wine excels with aromas and flavors of ripe apples, chalky notes, and hints of oak. Enjoy it with panko-coated, pan-fried Petrale sole. (Best Served: 2022-2027)
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James Suckling
This has a tropical character with hints of pastry crust, honeysuckle and cream. Full and waxy with bright acidity and a juicy mid-plate. Creamy finish.
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One of the least-known and most scenic appellations of the Napa Valley, the Spring Mountain District was recognized by the B.A.T.F. in May of 1993.The winery enjoys dramatic views of the floor of the Napa Valley and the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the distance, as well as of its own steep dry-farmed vineyards. Smith-Madrone is located at elevations between 1,600 and 1,800 feet 1,300 and 1,900. The vines flourish in vividly red and rocky volcanic soil known as Aiken loam, which is well-drained and friable.
One of the most popular and versatile white wine grapes, Chardonnay offers a wide range of flavors and styles depending on where it is grown and how it is made. While it tends to flourish in most environments, Chardonnay from its Burgundian homeland produces some of the most remarkable and longest lived examples. California produces both oaky, buttery styles and leaner, European-inspired wines. Somm Secret—The Burgundian subregion of Chablis, while typically using older oak barrels, produces a bright style similar to the unoaked style. Anyone who doesn't like oaky Chardonnay would likely enjoy Chablis.
Above the town of St. Helena on the eastern slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains sits the Spring Mountain District.
A dynamic region, its vineyards, cut by numerous springs and streams, vary in elevation, slope and aspect. Soils differ throughout with over 20 distinct types inside of the 8,600 acres that define the appellation. Within that area, only about 1,000 are planted to vineyards. Predominantly farmed by small, independent producers, the region currently has just over 30 wineries.
During the growing season, late afternoon Pacific Ocean breezes reach the Spring Mountain vineyards, which sit at between 400 and 1,200 feet. Daytime temperatures during mid summer and early fall remain slightly cooler than those of the valley floor.
Spring Mountain soils—volcanic matter and sedimentary rock—create intense but balanced reds with lush and delicate tannins. The area excels with Bordeaux varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot and in some cooler spots, Chardonnay.