Riesling used to be widely planted on Napa Valley's many hillside vineyards, but has largely been ripped up due to the vacillating nature of consumer preferences. However, some steadfast producers - such as the Smith brothers at their winery high up on Spring Mountain - have defied prevailing trends, believing in the potential of Riesling in America's most famous viticultural region. Producing this Riesling in much the same way they have since the early 1980s, they grow it on their steepest vineyards. Dry and intensely aromatic, this continues to rank amongst our favourite Rieslings from anywhere in the world. 94/100 - A stellar Riesling from one of the top producers in Napa for this now rare variety. From a high elevation, dry-farmed vines are high on Spring Mountain. This Riesling offers beautiful aromas of white flowers, dried ginger and just the slightest kiss of petrol alongside a note of nectarine skin. The palate is vibrant with tangy lime pith, juicy Meyer lemon pulp and seaspray salinity throughout—a classic. - Clive Pursehouse, Decanter 94/100 - The 2019 Riesling is another fabulous wine from Smith-Madrone. It offers tons of varietal character wedded to mountain structure. Lime, dried flowers, chamomile, orchard fruit, spice and jasmine all race across the palate. I especially admire the precision here. The finish is long and fresh. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous
