Smith Madrone Cabernet Franc 2022
(Napa Valley, Spring Mountain, California) - [JS 95] [WA 93]

About the Winery:

The 2022 Cabernet Franc is Smith-Madrone's second bottling of this varietal. Our Spring Mountain pedigree insures deliciously integrated tannins and a long life-span. For fifty years our wines have been sourced from the same vineyards, pruned, cultivated and harvested in the same manner, creating artisanal wines which are distinctive and complex. Our goal is to produce wines which bring pleasure to all the senses.

Tasting Note:
The wine opens with an intriguing aroma of ultra dark red fruit and overlaid with floral notes of roses and violets, dried herbs and white pepper. On the palate it delivers what the nose promises. The wine is fresh, lively and welcoming with refined tannins peeking out from under a silky robe of elegant fruit. Drinking beautifully now, this wine has the structure and intensity to stay the course for many years to come.

Technical Notes:

Appellation: Napa Valley

Sub-Appellation: Spring Mountain District

Farming: Non-till, estate-grown, sustainably farmed mountain vineyard

Varietal blend: 89% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Petit Verdot

Time in oak: 19 months in 55% new French oak

pH: 3.42 Total acidity: 6.6 g/L

Alcohol: 14.3% Cases produced: 130 cases

Harvested: September 13, 2022

Winemakers & Winegrowers: Charles Smith, François Bugué, Stuart Smith.

Ratings & Reviews:

95 Points - James Suckling:
"Finely constructed, balancing power and freshness with a mountainous feel, showing aromas of black currants and berries, wild herbs, spices, dried flowers and crushed stones. The taut, full-bodied palate has bright acidity and supple, mouthwatering tannins. A delightful cabernet franc. Drink or hold." (Mar 2026)

93 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"Smith-Madrone's 2022 Cabernet Franc is another excellent, varietally expressive effort. Marked by violet scents and notes of cassis and blueberry, it's medium- to full-bodied and richly concentrated, framed by silky tannins and culminating in a long, mouthwatering finish. Drinking Window: 2026-2040." -Joe Czerwinski