Sky 2017 Zinfandel Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley ($48)

 

It's been a little while since I have tried Sky's wines, but I've always found them to be well made and very reflective of the cool, mountain terroir of Mt. Veeder. It's a little surprising that the current vintage is 2017, which probably says a lot about the state of the wine business (and the market for Zinfandel). That said, the wine is holding up pretty well with notes of black pepper, brambly berry fruit that's just beginning to take on a bit of a baked character. It has a hefty alcohol content at 15.5%, but it also has great natural acidity. Recommended.

- Tim Teichgraeber

Smith Madrone 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain District Napa Valley ($65)

 If you're looking for a truly age-worthy Cab from Napa Valley at a reasonable price, seek out this gem from Spring Mountain. Yes, it is a little bit rustic in that it has a little bit of environmental herbaceousness (think madrone scrub, and not a bad thing for me tbh), and a good bit of rocky, mountain minerality. The oak is still integrating, but the cocktail of deep red and black fruit, anise, vanilla, toast, sage, and stone is mesmerizing. This is a refreshing departure from some of the often too decadent, over-polished, over-priced wines from Napa Valley bench. It's a resolute mountain wine with a critical point of view from the mountaintop, a wine from a very particular place atop Spring Mountain. I would love to try this again in 20 years. Respect. (94 Points)

 

 

- Tim Teichgraeber