Smith-Madrone 2009 Chardonnay - Review

Founded in 1971, Smith-Madrone is a family-run winery in Northern Napa's Spring Mountain region. Brothers Stewart and Charles Smith, who named their estate for their family and for the madrone trees that distinguish the property, share the duties of vineyard management and winemaking. In addition to Chardonnay, Smith-Madrone currently produces Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon. On the nose, the 2009 Chardonnay offers ripe pear and peach notes intermingled with toasted oak and roasted nuts. Although its fruit flavors are sweet and lush, they're nicely balanced by citrus acidity and a lingering minerality. Flavors include D'Anjou pear, crisp apple and ripe, white peach fruit, Meyer lemon and toasty oak. A palate pleasing study in contrasts, it is a pretty yet voluptuous wine. It would pair well with a rich dish that could use some acidity like chicken in a mushroom cream sauce or pork potpie. It would also work well with vegetarian dishes like butternut risotto or even something as simple as grilled cheese sandwiches.