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When we first planted Riesling in 1972 it was considered
one of the four most important varieties in the world.
It still is. Like Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon,
winemakers for this varietal cannot "create"
fine wine from grapes that do not inherently contain
that quality. "That" is an undefined, elusive,
ephemeral quality that starts with the right climate,
the right site, the right soil and the right attitude
by the grower. "You can only make good wine from
good grapes" is an old winemaker's adage, but
never truer than with Riesling. Riesling is grown
in a wide variety of areas in America, but only a
few sites make truly excellent Riesling.
Smith-Madrone's Riesling is grown at the very top
of Spring Mountain (1,800 foot elevation), just west
of St. Helena in the Napa Valley. The vines are planted
on very steep slopes (up to 35%) in red volcanic soil.
The vines received only the rain that Mother Nature
lets fall from the sky. From April until October the
vines must send roots deep into the mountain soil
in search of moisture. This centuries old method of
farming wine grapes, known today as dry farming, creates
a grape with intense flavor, structure, finesse and
longevity.
Very pale in color with green highlights around the
edge, the 2000 Riesling is a wine with intense and
powerful aromas unique to Riesling, including undertones
of freshly picked apricots and peaches. The wine is
soft and smooth on the palate, with an intense fruitiness
and a long dry finish. An absolute delight to drink.
The wine is made in a dry style.
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AGE OF VINES:
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29 years |
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APPELLATION:
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Napa Valley |
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SUB-APPELLATION:
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Spring Mountain District |
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FARMING:
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dry-farmed mountain
vineyards |
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VARIETAL CONTENT:
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100% Riesling |
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ALCOHOL:
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12.2% |
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TOTAL ACIDITY:
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0.82 grams/100ml |
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pH:
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3.09 |
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RESIDUAL SUGAR:
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0.9% |
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CASES:
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692 cases |
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WINEMAKERS & WINEGROWERS:
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CHARLES SMITH & STUART SMITH
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