Smith-Madrone Vineyards and Winery, Chardonnay 2016, Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley, California

Tasting Note: A chardonnay that resembles white Burgundy with its barely-there oak restraint that complements and elevates the wine.

Medium-intensity lemon in color, this wine has a medium-intensity nose of quince, green-apple puree, pear and blossom with a hint of lemon citrus.

On the palate the dry, medium-bodied chardonnay has medium-intensity flavors suggested on the nose along with the lightest note of vanilla baking spice that reveals itself towards the end of the taste.

The wine is medium in acidity and completes with a green-apple-infused, medium finish.

The wine is creamy in texture with complexity along the midpalate.

A red-wine drinker’s chardonnay.

Bottle Note: Founded in 1971 at the top of Spring Mountain in Napa Valley, Smith-Madrone is run by brothers Stuart and Charles Smith. The steep dry farmed vineyards are planted in vividly red and rocky volcanic Aiken stoney clay loam. Coupled with the cool mountain temperatures our grapes produce wines of intense flavor, structure and longevity, with a distinct personality. All our wines are estate grown and bottled.

This wine was submitted for review.