2016 Smith-Madrone Riesling

Smith-Madrone was founded in 1971 by Stu Smith, and remains one of Napa Valley’s pioneer estates. The estate produced its first wine, a Riesling, in 1977. Only two years later this Riesling won the "Best Riesling" (in the world) award in the Gault-Millau Wine Olympics. Decanter Magazine gave the 2016 vintage 91 points, describing the winery as "... one of the few producers of the varietal left in Napa - think Alsace style. This vintage shows a stand-out wet rock minerality, succulent limey, citrusy notes, juicy acidity, and round texture.” This wine is delicious now, but it will age beautifully. Decanter Magazine tasted a 2001 vintage and scored it 92 points, saying that it was still "... going strong."