What's News, Reviews and Accolades
Class Reviews, Press and Accolades:
PRESS:
April 2010 Blog Review
"It absolutely is eye openeing (and nostril flaring) to be reminded of how much the olfactory sense impacts flavor."
March 2010 Blog Review
"....participated in a truly fun and unique experience in wine country."
March 2010 Review
"It was really hard having the rest of your senses removed and then trying to identify by my sense of smell what was in the glass."
November 2009 Blog
"The Wine Sensory Experience to give groups a casual and fun way to learn the basics of scents and aromas that can be detected in wine."
CUSTOMER COMMENTS:
Thank you T'Anne for such a great time. We can't believe how much we didn't know! We appreciate your hospitality and sharing your stories of winemaking and growing up here. We will be back for your advanced class on our next trip.
L.W., Sarasota, FL - May 2010
The Wine Sensory Experience was exactly that-- an experience. It was fascinating, intriguing and challenging. A must for every wine taster.
S.W., San Franciso, CA - March 2010
Thank you so much for your help in learning about wine tasting. You class made me feel so much more confident. We'll be back for the advanced class on our next trip.
J.J., Plano, TX - February 2010
I didn't know what to expect but this was not a boring lecture class, it was fun, personal, humbling and interesting. I had no idea how much goes into wine tasting.
M.H., Tuscon, AZ - January 2010
The chocolate tasting was my favorite part. It really made me realize how hard it is to identify subtle flavors. Thanks for a great experience.
M.A., La Mesa, CA - January 2010
My best experience in the Napa Valley. I've done some other special tastings on previous visits but this was the most informative think I've ever done here. I can't wait to come again next year during harvest. Great job!
W.W., San Diego, CA - Dec. 2009
This was a great way to learn about wine tasting. Definately a must do on your next trip to the Napa Valley. The class was fun, interesting and we learned a lot. It was totally worth the money and the wines were great.
L.P., Menlo Park, CA - Dec. 2009
Everyone should take this class. Whether you're a novice or been there, done that, this class is fun and we were amazed by what we learned. The wines were good, friendly instuctor and overall very worthwhile. Make sure you sign up for this next time you come to Calistoga or the Napa Valley.
W.N., Los Angeles, CA - Nov. 2009
I learned more in this class than in years of visitng wineries. The class was well put together and I think it would benefit people of all skill levels. We'll be back next year to do it again.
T.J., Dallas, TX - Nov. 2009
We came, did the class with T'Anne then came back with a group of 10 people. What a blast. It was a whole new experience as she changed up the class because we had done the class before. Everyone was talking about the class and I know they'll be back with more friends - it never gets old. Thanks for your hospitality and knowledge, we'll be back and this is now our favorite place to go when we visit Napa.
B.P., Redwood City, CA - October 2009
My fourth visit to the Napa Valley and this was the best thing I've ever done. We're coming back this Fall to take the special Harvest class.
M.M., Los Gatos, CA - Sept. 2009
W.H. Smith Wines Some Reviews, Press and Accolades: Current vintages ~
W.H. Smith Wines Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast Maritime Vineyard 2007
Wine Enthusiast – ‘This has been a great bottling from W.H. Smith… Really fascinates as it changes in the glass and best now through 2013." …’ 94 Points
Wine & Spirit's Magazine – 94 Points – “Our blind panels tasted 635 new-releases, North American pinot noirs over the past 12 months. Our critics rated 72 as exceptional (90+). 94pts. + Exceptional
Past press from this wine: 98 Points Editor’s Choice – Wine Enthusiast – May 2007
96 Points – The Pinot Report – July 1, 2007
97 Points – Wine Spectator – August, 2006
W.H. Smith Wines Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2007
Wine Spectator Tasting Highlights - One of only 16 exceptional California Pinot Noirs from the Golden State's North Coast region…”W.H. Smith Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir exhibits fragrant floral and earthy aromas, with dried black cherry and plum notes that are medium-weight, supple and spicy, ending with a nice touch of anise"
Past press from this wine: 95 Points – The Pinot Report – July 1, 2007
92 Points – The Wine Spectator – January 4. 2007
W.H. Smith Wines Pinot Noir Marimar Estate Vineyard 2007
Wine Spectator – 94 Points - “The 2007 Marimar Vineyard is the best Pinot I've tasted from Marimar Torres'…property. It offers a wonderful balancing act between rich, complex, perfumed fruit and a delicate texture.
W.H. Smith Wines ‘Bronze Label’ Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Wine Enthusiast – 90 Points - “A lovely, rich red, this has none of the power usually associated with Howell Mountain. Instead, it’s packed with velvety red fruit, a sweet soil character adding density to the tannin.
Past press from this wine: Best Buy & Highly Recommended – Wines & Spirits Magazine April, 2008
W.H. Smith Wines ‘Purple Label’ Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Wine Enthusiast – 94 Points - "It’s not hard these days to get Cabernet to ripen to cherry-berry pie, currant and chocolaty richness. It is hard to squeeze that into a wonderfully crafted, classic structure, where the wine finishes perfectly dry. Bill Smith has accomplished all this in this wonderful, Bordeaux-esque wine. It’s extraordinarily delicious, and with those Howell Mountain tannins, should develop for many years."