Smith-Madrone Estate Chardonnay 2021 - 750ml

90pts Jeb Dunnuck

Always showing a slightly deep golden hue, the 2021 Chardonnay Spring Mountain District has richer aromatics of stone fruits, croissants, and buttered orange. These carry over to the palate, where the wine is medium-bodied, has a pure, layered, textured mouthfeel, bright yet integrated acidity, and a good finish. It's a singular style of Chardonnay that certainly has plenty of appeal and charm. Given its acidity, I wouldn't be surprised to see this continue drinking nicely through 20231, although there's certainly no need to delay either. Drink 2025-2031.

90pts Wine Spectator

Intense and generous, with notes of candied lemon peel, grilled peach, apricot preserves and fresh ginger, plus a drizzle of wildflower honey. There's vibrant, juicy acidity at the core, and details of spices and toast linger in the background. Drink now. 1,001 cases made.

Tasting Notes

The color is a very cheerful light bright green gold with an aroma of toasted hazelnuts, stone fruits, orange flowers, white pepper and hints of wasabi. It is medium weight on the palate, beautifully structured with mouthwatering acidity and luscious, fresh citrusy white nectarine fruit. There’s a very alluring note of ginger that runs from the aroma through the palate. The wine has a 'juicy' quality---how can that be?! It’s almost 'Juicy Fruit'-like, not sweet but literally yummy and lively in the mouth. Long lingering crisp finish, a classic hillside Chardonnay.

Winery Notes

A tribute to the Smith brothers and the predominant tree on the ranch. The Madrone is an evergreen with a red-brown trunk and branches. In spring the tree bears lily-of-the-valley-like flower clusters; in fall orange-red berries appear.

All wines made entirely from the winery's dry-farmed estate vineyards surrounding the winery on top of Spring Mountain in the Napa Valley. Stuart Smith chose specific slopes with different exposures for specific varietals when planting the vineyards: eastern exposure for Riesling, southern and western exposures across flat stretches for the Cabernet Sauvignon and the coolest north-facing slopes for the Chardonnay. There are numerous historical sights on the ranch, as well as the huge array of natural beauty and wildlife.