Vinous “This is a strong set of wines from Eric Story and Alison Smith-Story. The 2017s benefit from an extra kick of richness that I found missing in the 2016s yet remain gracious wines very much built on finesse. The crown jewel remains the Cabernet Sauvignon Pickberry Vineyard, which emerges from one of the top sites on Sonoma Mountain.”
2017 Smith Story Cabernet Sauvignon Pickberry Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain
The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Pickberry Vineyard is another wine that shows just how special this site is. Readers will have to give the 2017 at least a few years in bottle to allow the aromatics to fully open up. Today, the 2017 is impressive for its depth, structure and gorgeous, if embryonic, layers of nuance. Blueberry, mint, lavender, dried herbs and licorice accents start to develop with a bit of time in the glass. This is such a unique and captivating wine. — Antonio Galloni 94pts. Drinking Window: 2022 – 2037 Price: $75.00 Review Date: Apr 2020
2017 Smith Story Cabernet Franc, Sonoma County
The 2017 Cabernet Franc is an absolutely joyous bottle of wine. A burst of sweet red cherry, blood orange, spice, mint and espresso makes a strong opening statement. Bold, juicy and wonderfully inviting, with a classic sense of structure, the Franc is an absolute winner in this range. — Antonio Galloni 93pts. Drinking Window: 2020 – 2027 Price: $48.00 Review Date: Apr 2020
2017 Smith Story Merlot Pickberry Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain
The 2017 Merlot Pickberry Vineyard offers a super-appealing combination of forward, juicy fruit and the savory undertones that are such signatures of this Sonoma Mountain site. Lavender, rose petal, mint, dried herbs and blueberry fruit give this mid-weight Merlot so much pure appeal. — Antonio Galloni 92pts. Drinking Window:2022 – 2032 Price: $58.00 Review Date: Apr 2020
2017 Smith Story Pinot Noir The Boonies, Anderson Valley
The 2017 Pinot Noir The Boonies emerges from a small vineyard in the deep end of Anderson Valley. Dark cherries in liqueur, spice, rose petal and mint give the 2017 a racy, exotic feel that is impossible to miss. Even so, the 2017 remains gracious and light on its feet, which is to say very much in the Smith Story style. — Antonio Galloni 92pts. Drinking Window: 2020 – 2027 Price $58.00 Review Date: Apr 2020
2017 Smith Story Pinot Noir Helluva Vineyard, Anderson Valley
The 2017 Pinot Noir Helluva Vineyard is a very pretty wine. Bright red berry fruit, mint, cedar, sweet tobacco, cinnamon and star anise give this translucent, weightless Pinot striking aromatic presence. This is an especially airy style, with all the elements nicely balanced.– Antonio Galloni 91pts. Drinking Window: 2020 – 2027 Price $48.00 Review Date: Apr 2020
2018 Smith Story Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County
The 2018 Sauvignon Blanc is full of green, grassy varietal aromas and flavors. I would prefer to drink this crisp, bracing Sauvignon Blanc young, while the citrus, tomato leaf and sage flavors remain vibrant.– Antonio Galloni 89pts. Drinking Window: 2020 – 2024 Price: $25.00 Review Date: Apr 2020