#NHLPeachy @NHL 2025 NHL Draft Lottery Set For May 5

 The National Hockey League announced today the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery will be held on Monday, May 5, at NHL Network’s Secaucus, N.J., studio. The event will be broadcast on ESPN, Sportsnet and TVA Sports, at a time to be announced later this week.

The 2025 NHL Draft Lottery will determine the order of selection for the first 16 picks in the first round of the 2025 Upper Deck NHL Draft. Participants are all teams that did not qualify for the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs (or the teams that have acquired the first-round drafting positions of those non-playoff teams).

The Lottery will be conducted in two phases, the first to determine the first overall pick in the 2025 Upper Deck NHL Draft and the second to determine the second overall pick. There is a limit on the total number of selections (10) a team participating in the Draft Lottery can “move up” in the event it wins one of the Lottery Draws. Thus, only the top 11 seeds will be eligible to receive the first overall Draft pick.

Odds To Win The First Lottery Draw

Draft Lottery Participants

(Fewest Pts. to Most)

Odds

San Jose Sharks

18.5%

Chicago Blackhawks

13.5%

Nashville Predators

11.5%

Philadelphia Flyers

9.5%

Boston Bruins

8.5%

Seattle Kraken

7.5%

Buffalo Sabres

6.5%

Anaheim Ducks

6.0%

Pittsburgh Penguins

5.0%

New York Islanders

3.5%

New York Rangers *

3.0%

Detroit Red Wings

2.5%

Columbus Blue Jackets

2.0%

Utah Hockey Club

1.5%

Vancouver Canucks

0.5%

Calgary Flames **

0.5%

Odds To Receive The First Overall Pick

Draft Lottery Participants

(Fewest Pts. to Most)

Odds

San Jose Sharks

25.5%

Chicago Blackhawks

13.5%

Nashville Predators

11.5%

Philadelphia Flyers

9.5%

Boston Bruins

8.5%

Seattle Kraken

7.5%

Buffalo Sabres

6.5%

Anaheim Ducks

6.0%

Pittsburgh Penguins

5.0%

New York Islanders

3.5%

New York Rangers *

3.0%

Detroit Red Wings

0.0%

Columbus Blue Jackets

0.0%

Utah Hockey Club

0.0%

Vancouver Canucks

0.0%

Calgary Flames **

0.0%

* Under the terms of a Jan. 31, 2025 trade between NY Rangers and Vancouver, NY Rangers will transfer their 1st-round pick in either the 2025 or 2026 NHL Draft to Vancouver, at NY Rangers' option.

** Under the terms of a Aug. 18, 2022 trade between Calgary and Montreal, if Calgary's 1st-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft becomes a top 10 pick as a result of the Draft Lottery, Calgary will instead transfer Florida's 1st-round pick (previously acquired by Calgary) to Montreal. If Calgary's 1st-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft is not a top 10 pick following the Draft Lottery, Calgary will transfer that pick to Montreal.

The odds for the remaining teams will increase on a proportionate basis for the 2nd Lottery Draw, based on which team wins the 1st Lottery Draw.

The 14 teams not selected in the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery will be assigned the remaining 2025 Upper Deck NHL Draft selections (among 1 through 16 in the first round), in inverse order of regular-season points.

NHL Central Scouting has released its final rankings for the 2025 Upper Deck NHL Draft, where Erie Otters (OHL) defenseman Matthew Schaefer tops the list of North America-based skaters and Djurgarden (Sweden 2nd Division) forward Anton Frondell leads all international-based skaters.

The 2025 NHL Scouting Combine presented by Fanatics, showcasing the top draft-eligible North American and international prospects, will be held from June 1-7 at KeyBank Center and LECOM Harborcenter in Buffalo, N.Y.

The 2025 Upper Deck NHL Draft™ at L.A. Live’s Peacock Theater will be held over two days: Friday, June 27, at 4 p.m. PT/7 p.m. ET (Round 1, live on ESPN, ESPN+, Sportsnet, TVA Sports) and Saturday, June 28, at 9 a.m. PT / noon ET (Rounds 2-7, live on NHL Network, ESPN+, Sportsnet and SN1). Tickets to the event will be available for purchase at www.axs.com/series/27389/nhl-draft-tickets starting Monday, May 5 at 10 a.m. PT.

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#InauguralReview #CafeKatja Since 2007 by #EmmyWinning #ExecutiveChef #ErwinSchröttner @Erwin_Cooks and #AndrewChase #Austrian #79OrchardStreet #Downtown #Manhattan

From the triumphant Hickory-Smoked Salmon to the commanding White Asparagus, Cafe Katja is deserving of your immediate attention

E is for Erwin

E is for Emmy 

and 

E is for excellent, 

which is precisely what Cafe Katja is, and we're sorry we have not visited it sooner!

In 2007, founders and business partners Erwin Schrottner and Andrew Chase stopped monkeying around and decided to open their own place, Cafe Katja!  It's named after one of Erwin's three daughters, and these two guys met working together at the famed Monkey Bar. (Click here for our Graydon experience, and here's where it was.  You can no longer drink The Peachy because Charles stopped making Star Vodka.  We don't know if you can still drink the Graydon....)

This is what all talented people driven to succeed should do: work for themselves!

And we work hard to find them.

Erwin and Andrew are equal owners and we look forward to meeting Andrew.  Erwin greeted us the second we walked in and not only is he a superior chef but also he is a master of hospitality.

The menu is AUSTRIAN.  This is the only Austrian restaurant we can ever remember reviewing.  Erwin is from southeast Austria originally, Graz (second largest city after Vienna in Austria), and 100 percent of the wine on the menu is sourced from Austria.  Did you know that 20 to 50 percent of the geographic area of Austria is suitable for growing wine?  Erwin told us that, and he chose a white wine we sipped successfully.

Vienna even has vineyards within the city, so say "PROST" (Cheers in German. They speak German in Austria.) and order your dinner here, silly.

In 1999, Erwin came to the USA and has previous experience at L'espinasse, St. Moritz, Lausanne (Switzerland) and around 2009 he was the Executive Chef of the Mandarin Oriental at 77th and Madison when it was The Mark.

Peachy loves rye and never sees it on dinner menus.

She was thrilled to see Liptauer above.  It's the spread of butter, quark cheese from Austria, onions, Hungarian paprika and cornichons.  Some fresh radishes, carrots, mushrooms, red pepper and cucumber came to the party and this first dish ignited our appetite.  The rye was toasted.

The logo here is a deer.  We think they should name him/her and maybe at Christmas put a red light on the nose. And then you know it would be Rudolph.

We are huge fans of salads.

To that end, meet the Red Cabbage salad above, which arrives in style with lingonberry, apples and toasted walnuts.  The salad itself was talented but the best edible to Peachy during this whole review was the Hickory-Smoked Salmon, which is the protein she chose to add to the salad.  It is by far the best salmon we have had anywhere in at least the last year.  And we have had some excellent salmon before.

The Kale Caesar Salad is what you would expect with croutons, lemon and garlic and a solid winner.  Every item in this review was totally fresh.

The second and only other protein choice for salad was fried chicken, so we tried that.  Peachy does not ever seek out fried chicken but you should know this edition is light and flaky, in sharp contrast to inferior American fried chicken.

We will allow you to dress our salad if you have won an Emmy.  Normally we want the dressing on the side.  The Red Cabbage dressing was sweet, so if you like sweet, get it dressed.  The Kale Caesar Salad was classic and savory.

Evocative of the season is the Cucumber Potato Salad which hits the spot. It's unique and really practically the entire menu is unique.  You all should be thrilled we found something brand new to talk about!  We also liked the music here which is not too loud and of good quality content from the Supremes to Smokey Robinson.  The Garlicky Greens are a worthy companion to everything you order at Cafe Katja and we adored the Broccoli Rabe, prepared just right for Goldilocks Peachy.  Not overdone.  Not underdone. Just right.

Do your garlicky greens smile at you like this?

We also applaud the alliteration.

To be a successful restaurant in America and particularly in Manhattan, you must have an excellent cheeseburger.  Yes, they do.  Sourced from the butcher Jobaggy, it is perfectly medium rare as we ordered and joined by sensational sauteed onions, gruyere and fried yukons (potatoes).  WE LOVED THE CHEESESBURGER and it is truly one of the best ones you can have in Manhattan right now.

Buttered Spatzle is a side not to be ignored and it's Austrian traditional: a plain pasta that is exquisitely served:

Also, Erwin is God's gift to the produce industry this time of year because of his tremendous homage to White Asparagus.  This is no ordinary vegetable, and you should not be surprised because since when are we interested in ordinary anything.  Cafe Katja is the only restaurant in the New World (North America) to have a menu devoted exclusively to variations on White Asparagus.  There are eight choices.  It's expertly sourced from Holland (part of the Netherlands) and this menu started on April 9th and it concludes in mid-June.

We ordered the White Asparagus with green garlic sauce and spring potatoes which was the perfect harbinger of spring.  We have never seen asparagus of this size before and ages ago (more than a decade) a famous restaurateur told us he always looked at the diameter of asparagus when it arrived, and he was talking the regular green kind.  These put all those to shame and you must experience White Asparagus at Cafe Katja.

Note at Cafe Katja the menu is changed seasonally four times a year to ensure innovation and freshness.

An Austrian staple are the Austrian Meatballs.  They are terrifically spiced but not overly so: just the right touch.  Johanna, Erwin's mother, is the recipe originator.  Some keys to the success are onions, garlic, marjoram, and white bread soaked in (cow) milk.  In the world according to Peachy, cow milk is the only milk.  Mashed potatoes and roasted root vegetables sang perfect backup here.

The best edible here at all to Peachy Deegan which she delicately devoured with delight was the Hickory Smoked Salmon, mentioned earlier on the salad.  It has tremendous flavor that is highly superior and elevated to higher echelons with the richness of the green garlic butter it luxuriates in.  Erwin tells us he filets the salmon and it is cured for 24 hours with secret spices and curry salt and smoked for ten minutes every day fresh!  You can taste it. Put on your sneakers and run there and order this.  The word delicious is underperforming verbiage when you consider the flavor of this fish.

Erwin said we should try their best-seller: Wiener Schnitzel.  It's a breaded pork cutlet which is joined by parsley potatoes and lingonberry sauce, which is sweet but not overwhelming and similar to cranberries. They grow on tiny bushes and are sourced from Central to Northern Europe.    The Weiner Schnitzel was indeed convincing and an entree that you should try.

Finally, you know Peachy loves Apple Pie and now she loves this Apfel Strudel of Fuji Apples!

This variety retains the shape.  Joined by Schlag, it was her favorite.

If you like crepes, opt for the Topfenpalatschinken with quark cheese and roasted plums, which were sensational.  Cafe Katja really impressed us on our first visit!

Life is short: eat an Emmy-winning dinner!

We look forward to seeing what they do next.

https://www.cafekatja.com/

https://www.instagram.com/cafekatja

https://www.erwincooks.com/

https://x.com/Erwin_Cooks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jM01S2p9_lg

https://www.facebook.com/ErwinCooks/

https://www.instagram.com/erwincooks

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#CanadaPeachy I Love Fruit & Veg from Europe takes Center Stage at SIAL Canada 2025 in Toronto

Fresh fruits and vegetables from Europe will be highlighted at SIAL Canada 2025, showcasing the EU's rich agricultural heritage and commitment to quality and sustainability. The campaign aims to promote the diverse range of fresh produce available within the EU countries, emphasizing their health benefits, sustainability, and culinary versatility.

Enjoy fresh fruit & veg from Europe! Choose Fresh & Fair.

SIAL Canada, one of the largest food innovation exhibitions in North America, will take place from April 29 to May 1, 2025 at the Enercare Centre in Toronto. The European produce campaign will feature a variety of fruits and vegetables, all sourced from reputable producer organisations known for their sustainable practices.

"We are excited to bring the best fruit and vegetables from Europe to SIAL Canada," said Sarah Bua, Marketing Director of the Sicilian producer organisation La Deliziosa. "This campaign not only highlights the exceptional quality of our fresh fruits and vegetables but also promotes the health benefits they offer to consumers. Moreover, our commitment to sustainable farming practices ensures that we provide products that are not only delicious but also good for the planet."

Attendees at SIAL Canada 2025 can expect engaging demonstrations, tastings, and informative sessions on the nutritional benefits of incorporating more fruits and vegetables into their diets. Chef Dario Tommaselli will be on hand @ booth 601 to showcase innovative recipes that highlight the versatility of these fresh ingredients, inspiring both culinary professionals and home cooks alike.

The campaign will also emphasize the importance of supporting local farmers and promoting sustainable agriculture, aligning with global trends towards healthier eating and environmental consciousness.

Join us at SIAL Canada 2025 to discover the vibrant flavours and varieties of fresh fruit and vegetables from Europe. Together, we can cultivate a healthier future by choosing quality, sustainability, and taste.

About I Love Fruit & Veg from Europe

The I Love Fruit & Veg from Europe programme is promoted by A.O.A., Agritalia, La Deliziosa, Meridia and Terra Orti — five leading Italian agricultural organisations—and co-funded by the European Union. Its mission is to encourage the conscious purchasing and consumption of quality European fruit and vegetables and to educate about their organic and PDO/PGI variants. Learn more at https://ilovefruitandvegfromeurope.com/ca/ and follow us on:

FB: https://www.facebook.com/ilovefruitandvegfromeuropeca

IG: https://www.instagram.com/ilovefruitandvegfromeuropeca/

YT: https://www.youtube.com/@ilovefruitvegfromeuropeca

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#PeachysPicks #AmmosEstiatorio @AmmosNewYork by #DimitrisNakos #Celebrate #MothersDay #May112025 Make Your Reservation Now at 52 Vanderbilt Avenue Just West of Grand Central Terminal

It's not who you know it's WHOM YOU KNOW and we know Ammos Estiatorio, graciously situated at 52 Vanderbilt Avenue just steps from Grand Central Terminal.  The seafood mecca, brainchild of founder and owner Dimitris Nakos, has imagined an extraordinary extravaganza for you to celebrate Mother's Day with delicious style.

First, we present Salata a la Dimitri!

Note you have protein choices with all salads at Ammos:

Chicken Breast

Salmon

Shrimp

Grilled Octopus

Pan-Seared Tuna

Grilled Kalamari

The above shows it straightforward.  It comes dressed; please meet baby arugula and mixed greens dotted with incredibly juicy berries and sensational macadamia nuts, Peachy's personal favorite aspects of the salad.  Dry Kalamata figs lend an authentic Greek nature to this wondrous beacon of nutrition, and Dimitris chose to add gorgonzola to this edition.  Note you could also add feta.  Greek honey and garlic balsamic vinaigrette enthusiastically cover this winner.

Anyone can make meatballs but only Ammos Estiatorio can make Keftedes!

100 percent Angus beef forms the carnivorous foundation for these five superstars on a plate that intelligently thinks of those that cannot eat dairy-there is no cheese inside them.  However, you can have crumbled feta on top which is highly recommended by Peachy, who is pro-cheese generally speaking!

Mothers, meet Makaronia (pasta) Manitaria (mushroom)!

An equal combination of shiitake and cremini mushrooms team up for Stanley Cup Playoff winning goals in your stomach along with other fragrant, fresh seasonal vegetables which may include carrots, zucchini, garlic and a bespoke special blend of Greek spices that graduate this to another level of flavor along with  Assyrtiko white wine which grows in basket-style in the hills of Santorini.  We recommend saying yes please to adding freshly grated black pepper and Graviera cheese on top.

Ammos Estiatorio continues to earn our Highest Recommendation, and remember they have been a Peachy's Pick since 2011.

Open for lunch and dinner

52 Vanderbilt Avenue

New York, NY 10017

T: 212.922.9999

OPENING TIMES

Monday to Friday 11:45am-10:45pm

Saturday 4:00pm-10:30pm

info@ammosny.com

https://ammosny.com/

https://x.com/AmmosNewYork

https://www.instagram.com/ammosestiatorio/

https://www.facebook.com/AmmosEstiatorio

Their website tells us:

Ammos presents itself as a distinguished Greek seafood establishment situated in the bustling heart of Manhattan. Recognized as a leading Greek seafood venue in New York, we specialize in crafting dishes with the finest seafood, infused with traditional Mediterranean flavors. Whether one seeks an upscale Greek dining experience or a lively Mediterranean culinary adventure, Ammos pledges an unparalleled gastronomic journey. Our menu boasts a selection ranging from whole grilled fish to delectable shellfish, showcasing our commitment to offering fresh and authentic seafood that evokes the essence of the Aegean coast. Join us at Ammos to savor a taste of Greece amid the vibrant landscape of New York City.

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#NewYorkNotes @RecordingAcad @GRAMMYMuseum Conan Gray and John Mellencamp To Perform Republic Records Tribute At The GRAMMY Hall Of Fame Gala On May 16

CONAN GRAY AND JOHN MELLENCAMP TO PERFORM REPUBLIC RECORDS TRIBUTE AT THE GRAMMY HALL OF FAME® GALA ON MAY 16 IN LOS ANGELES AT THE BEVERLY HILTON

PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED PERFORMERS INCLUDE BRIAN BLADE, CINDY BLACKMAN, DANIEL LANOIS, EDDIE FLOYD, EMMYLOU HARRIS, JODY STEPHENS, JON BATISTE, LEDISI, LESLIE ODOM JR., AND ORIANTHI WITH MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON

 Singer-songwriter and voice of his generation Conan Gray and legendary GRAMMY® -winning singer-songwriter John Mellencamp will perform at the Recording Academy® and GRAMMY Museum’s® 2025 GRAMMY Hall Of Fame® Gala as part of a special tribute to this year’s label honoree, Republic Records. The music industry’s most successful label of the past decade, Republic has earned Billboard’s Hot 100 Label of the Year 10 of the past 11 years among countless other accolades, a reflection of its chart dominance, groundbreaking artist development, and culturally defining releases. From breaking global superstars to shaping genre-defying movements, Republic continues to set the standard for excellence across the music industry. The Gala will take place on Friday, May 16 at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.

Monte Lipman, Chairman and CEO of Republic Records, said, “We are forever grateful for the incredible artists, songwriters, and storytellers that we’ve had the privilege of supporting over the years. Anytime you’re recognized by your peers, it’s always a humbling moment—and in this case, the significance of this award is truly exceptional.”

“Republic Records has consistently shaped the sound of popular music and launched some of the most influential artists of our time,” said Michael Sticka, President/CEO of the GRAMMY Museum. “Their sustained success and cultural impact make them a fitting honoree at this year’s GRAMMY Hall Of Fame Gala, where we celebrate the recordings—and the industry visionaries—whose legacies continue to inspire.”

Previously announced performers include celebrated percussionist and wife of Carlos Santana, Cindy Blackman; soul legend Eddie Floyd; 13-time GRAMMY® winner and Lifetime Achievement Award honoree Emmylou Harris, joined by multi-GRAMMY Award-winning producer Daniel Lanois and acclaimed multi-GRAMMY Award-winning jazz drummer Brian Blade for a rare collaboration; drummer of iconic power-pop band Big Star, Jody Stephens; multi-GRAMMY Award-winning composer and bandleader Jon Batiste; powerhouse vocalist and GRAMMY-winner Ledisi; GRAMMY-winning actor and singer Leslie Odom Jr.; and guitar virtuoso Orianthi. Notably, Harris, Floyd and Stephens all have recordings that are being newly inducted into the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame. Each performance will celebrate one of this year’s GRAMMY Hall Of Fame inductees, with more performers and details surrounding specific tributes to be announced soon.

The Gala will celebrate the 2025 GRAMMY Hall Of Fame inducted recordings, which include iconic recordings such as JAY-Z’s Reasonable Doubt, Cat Stevens’ Tea For The Tillerman, Santana’s Supernatural, and classics from Big Star, Clara Ward, Eddie Floyd, Emmylou Harris, Fela Kuti & Afrika 70, Geeshie Wiley, Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine, J.D. Crowe & The New South, Linda Martell, and Luther Vandross.

As previously revealed, the evening will also include the presentation of the inaugural Ray Charles “Architect of Sound” Award, created in partnership with The Ray Charles Foundation. This new annual honor recognizes an artist whose creative legacy reflects the visionary innovation of Ray Charles. The first recipient is multi-GRAMMY Award-winner Jon Batiste.

Returning as host is esteemed CBS News journalist Anthony Mason. The show will be produced by former GRAMMY Awards® Executive Producer Ken Ehrlich, alongside Ron Basile, Lindsay Saunders Carl and Lynne Sheridan, with musical direction by GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY® Award-winning composer, producer and conductor Cheche Alara.

Tickets for the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame Gala are on sale now. For more information, visit: grammymuseum.org/programs/hof-gala.

ABOUT THE GRAMMY HALL OF FAME

The GRAMMY Hall Of Fame was established by the Recording Academy’s National Trustees in 1973. The inducted recordings are selected annually by a special member committee of eminent and knowledgeable professionals from all branches of the recording arts with final ratification by the Recording Academy’s National Board of Trustees. With 13 new titles, the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame currently totals 1,165 inducted recordings. Eligible recipients will receive an official certificate from the Recording Academy. For a full list of 2025 recordings inducted into the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame, see below or visit here.

ABOUT THE GRAMMY MUSEUM

The GRAMMY Museum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating and exploring music from yesterday and today to inspire the music of tomorrow through exhibits, education, grants, preservation initiatives, and public programming. Paying tribute to our collective musical heritage, the Museum values and celebrates the dynamic connection in people’s diverse backgrounds and music’s many genres, telling stories that inspire us, and creative expression that leads change in our industry.

For more information, visit www.grammymuseum.org, “like” the GRAMMY Museum on Facebook, and follow @GRAMMYMuseum on Instagram and TikTok.

ABOUT THE RECORDING ACADEMY

The Recording Academy represents the voices of performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, and all music professionals. Dedicated to ensuring the recording arts remain a thriving part of our shared cultural heritage, the Academy honors music’s history while investing in its future through the GRAMMY Museum, advocates on behalf of music creators, supports music people in times of need through MusiCares®, and celebrates artistic excellence through the GRAMMY Awards — music’s only peer-recognized accolade and highest achievement. As the world’s leading society of music professionals, we work year-round to foster a more inspiring world for creators.

For more information about the GRAMMY Awards and the Recording Academy, please visit GRAMMY.com and RecordingAcademy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @RecordingAcad on X, “like” Recording Academy on Facebook , and join the Recording Academy’s social communities on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and LinkedIn. For media assets, please visit the Recording Academy’s Press Room.

ABOUT REPUBLIC RECORDS

A division of Universal Music Group, the world's leading music company, Republic Records is home to an all-star roster of multi-platinum, award-winning legends such as Anitta, Ariana Grande, Billy Porter, Conan Gray, Cynthia Erivo, Daniel Caesar, Eddie Vedder, Florence + the Machine, Glass Animals, Jelly Roll, Jimmy Fallon, John Legend, John Mellencamp, Jonas Brothers, Kid Cudi, Kim Petras, Lorde, Miranda Lambert, Nicki Minaj, Pearl Jam, Shania Twain, Stevie Wonder, Taylor Swift and more. Founded by brothers and chief executives Monte and Avery Lipman, it is also comprised of innovative business ventures with chart topping artists and partners including American Recordings (Marcus King), Boominati Worldwide (Metro Boomin), Brushfire (Jack Johnson), Casablanca Records (Nelly Furtato, Martin Garrix), Cash Money (Birdman, Jacquees), HYBE (TXT), JYP Entertainment (Stray Kids, TWICE), Lava Records (Greta Van Fleet), Mavin Records (Ayra Starr), OVO (Drake), XO (The Weeknd), Young Money (Lil Wayne), among others. Additionally, Republic recently launched Federal Films, the film and TV division that aims to bring compelling stories to audiences around the world, as well as Republic Records: Kids & Family, the official children's division of Republic Records. Republic Records has become the music industry’s most successful label of the past decade, earning Billboard’s Hot 100 Label of the Year ten of the past eleven years among countless other accolades, including claiming iHeart’s Label of the Year 8 years in a row, five of Variety’s Hitmaker Label of the Year Awards, 4 Clio Awards, #1 Mediabase label for over 10 years, and most recently, the highly acclaimed 2025 Grammy Hall of Fame’s Label Honoree.

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#ChampagneWishes #KeepingAmericaonTop Sip the Quality California Richness of the Smith-Madrone 2021 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon by Mover and Shaker Stu Smith! It Has Earned Whom You Know's Highest Recommendation.

"Our 2021 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon exemplifies what a Cabernet from our mountain growing region, the Spring Mountain District, should taste like: blue/black/red fruits in the aroma, a full mid palate with a silky texture, and finally enough of a tannic structure to insure it’s a long-lived wine. And it’s delicious."

-Mover and Shaker Stu Smith

Mirror mirror on the wall, which Smith-Madrone wine this April was the finest of all?  In Peachy's humble opinion, it's this one: Smith-Madrone 2021 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon!  American excellence envelops your senses with its legendary bold richness that boasts a luxurious dark fruit aroma reminiscent of ripe indigo and red berries.  This achieves a floral and peppery flavor, bright and lively, fetching and intriguing all at once.  This particular vintage is notable and we like the rich ripeness, lauded all around by the Champagne Wishes panel. It's versatile and of course pairs well with a nicely done medium rare steak or a juicy cheeseburger and standalone it is striking as well.  It has earned our Highest Recommendation.

On the palate the wine is packed with fruit. While medium weight the wine has a creamy lush mid-palate that is surprisingly full-bodied and mouth filling. Pleasantly grippy at the finish, this wine is built for the long run which is always what we are going for.  Smith-Madrone has proven enduring quality.

Their Spring Mountain pedigree insures deliciously integrated tannins and a long life-span. For fifty years their wines have been sourced from the same vineyards, pruned, cultivated and harvested in the same manner, creating artisanal wines which are distinctive and complex. Their goal is to produce wines which bring pleasure to all the senses.

www.smithmadrone.com

https://x.com/WinerySmith

https://www.facebook.com/smithmadrone

https://www.instagram.com/smith_madrone/

https://www.youtube.com/user/mountslope

LOCATION & COORDINATES: 4022 Spring Mountain Road, St. Helena, California 94574

Phone 707/963-2283;

www.smithmadrone.com, info@smithmadrone.com

www.cooksflatreserve.com

Open by appointment only

Wines available to purchase online.

FOUNDED: 1971, by Stuart Smith

MANAGEMENT: Stuart Smith, Founder, General Partner

Charles F. Smith III, Winemaker

François Bugué, Associate Winemaker

MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS: The vineyards sit at elevations between 1,300 and 2,000 feet, on steep slopes which range up to 34%.

PLANTING: Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon were initially planted in 1972. Cabernet Franc and Merlot were added in 1998. Petite Verdot was added in 2007. Pinot Noir was planted in 1972 but grafted over to Chardonnay in 1986.

ESTATE : All wines made entirely from the winery's dry-farmed estate vineyards surrounding the winery on top of Spring Mountain in the Napa Valley. Stuart Smith chose specific slopes with different exposures for specific varietals when planting the vineyards: eastern exposure for Riesling, southern and western exposures across flat stretches for the Cabernet Sauvignon and the coolest north-facing slopes for the Chardonnay. There are numerous historical sights on the ranch, as well as the huge array of natural beauty and wildlife.

SOIL: The soils are mostly deep-red Aiken Stoney Clay loam, part of the Aiken, Kidd, Forward complex of soils which are volcanic-based, well-drained and deep for mountain soils. The underlying geology is the Franciscan Assemblage, unique to California coastal ranges, which includes altered mafic volcanic rocks, deep-sea radiolarian cherts, sandstones, limestones, serpentines, shales and high-pressure metamorphic rocks, all of them faulted and mixed in a seemingly chaotic manner as a result of tectonic plate activity. The soils are rocky, with some rocks as large as small cars.

FARMING: Smith-Madrone is a pioneer of dry farming; from 2017 forward, the vineyards have been minimally irrigated, if at all. Stu Smith explains in this video.

CURRENT RELEASES:

2023 Estate Rosé (131 cases, $30)

2021 Estate Chardonnay (983 cases, $45)

2021 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (1,652 cases, $65)

2019 Estate Riesling (1,087 cases, $40)

2021 Estate Cabernet Franc (153 cases)

2018 Cook’s Flat Reserve (2300 bottles, individually numbered, wrapped in proprietary tissue, $225)

Occasional availability of re-released library wines

All wines are Spring Mountain District appellation, all wines are estate-grown and estate-bottled.

Occasional availability of re-released library wines.

PRODUCTION: Approximately 3,000-4000 cases a year

HOSPITALITY: Tours and tastings by appointment only, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays at 10:00 a.m.

THE ESTATE: 200 acre ranch, partly planted as vineyard over a century ago; California black bears and other wildlife once thrived here; enormous 120-year-old Picholine olive trees frame a path and view down to the floor of the Napa Valley and Bothe Napa Valley State Park

THE NAME: A tribute to the Smith brothers and the predominant tree on the ranch. The Madrone is an evergreen with a red-brown trunk and branches. In spring the tree bears lily-of-the-valley-like flower clusters; in fall orange-red berries appear.

HONORS: Stu was named one of the wine industry's most inspirational people in January 2018. [Link to Wine Industry Advisor]; Smith-Madrone was named Winery of The Year in 2014 by The Daily Meal and its earliest accolade was winning “Best Riesling” in a field of international rieslings put on by Gault-Millau in 1979. The winery is profiled in a segment of Behind The Glass on SommTV.

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