Charles Smith’s first job of note was as a rock band manager and it was on the road that he realised that entertaining music industry heavies was easy when you served good wine.
In 1999 he moved to Washington State to fulfil his burgeoning passion for wine and here he met French wine who had similar aspirations.
He may not have a classically trained palate, but his brazen personality, full-flavoured wines and bold packaging have earned him the moniker: ‘Rock star winemaker of Washington State.’
His wines have earned 90 points and higher from leading global wine publications. He’s the only winemaker to be named Winemaker of the Year by both Food & Wine Magazine and Wine Enthusiast. But you wouldn’t guess it looking at him — bold, edgy and unorthodox — Charles Smith’s wines are a bit like the man himself, offering something unexpected.
2015 Boom! Boom! Syrah
Deep flavours of blackberry and boysenberry with notes of white pepper, savoury herbs. Complex with tannins inferior to none.
2015 Eve Chardonnay
Aromas and flavours of pear, tangerine and guava but with a bold and true Chardonnay flavour and a hint of mineral.
2016 Kung Fu Girl Riesling
Citrus blossom overtones with lime leaf and white peach intermingled with mineral notes. Excellent served with Asian food — see www.janbilton.co.nz/blog/post/24892/CELEBRATE-CHINESE-STYLE/