Tempranillo has been described as the “perfect blend of Cabernet and Pinot Noir.” C3, in my opinion, leans closer to Pinot. It has a dry clean fruity flavor with barely a hint of the earthiness often found in its Spanish counterparts.
Expect to pick flavors of raspberry, blackberry cassis, dark chocolate and vanilla among others. The tannins blend well with the fruit to create a very long finish. Drink this wine slowly so you can really appreciate its layered complexity.
Wowser is it good! Wine Spectator gave this wine 90 and Wine Enthusiast gave it a 91, well-deserved scores. A full bodied Pinot with a velvety texture with big tannins that balance the bold fruit.
Charlie & Stu Smith of Smith-Madrone
A while back Donna and I received an invitation to meet, eat and drink with historic Napa Valley winemaker Stu Smith of Smith-Madrone. The dinner was held during a starlit evening on the rooftop patio of their Denver distributor. The crowd was not too big and many of us were not very familiar with this fairly small producer. Stu Smith cut quite a figure as he spoke easily and generously with the guests. Husky and bearded, Stu reminded me of Jeremiah Johnson after a trip to the barber shop. His style is soft but firm, a real straight shooter. Some weeks later I was talking to a restaurateur who referred to Stu as “the real deal.” I could not agree more. Continue reading »
A nice example of Napa Valley Cabernet
