A riesling re-release

Smith-Madrone Winery is re-releasing its 2002 riesling at $60 a bottle, with a three-bottle per purchase limit.

“We believe we’re the only winery in the U.S. to have a program of holding back our rieslings and re-releasing them,” explained the winery’s co-proprieter, Stuart Smith. “We do this because we love how rieslings age and develop and we want to give people the opportunity to taste what a moderately aged riesling is like. Rieslings age every bit as well as cabernet sauvignons and pinot noirs, if not better. We know that our rieslings will age for 10 to 15 or even up to 20 years.”

All of the winery’s wines are made from the estate vineyards, planted 34 years ago by brothers Stuart and Charles Smith. The vineyards are dry-farmed on mountainsides surrounding the winery on top of Spring Mountain elevations between 1,300 and 2,000 feet.

The winery is also releasing new vintages of chardonnay (2007, $40 a bottle) and riesling (2008, $27). A limited amount of 2004 cabernet sauvignon ($45) is available.

Customers can order online at www.smithmadrone.com, by contacting the winery by phone 963-2283 or by mail or visiting in person, by appointment. Smith-Madrone is open for tours and tastings Monday through Saturday at 4022 Spring Mountain Road, St. Helena.

Tastings and tours are complimentary and are always conducted by one of the Smith brothers.

 

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