Snowden
Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve – 2010
Region: CALIFORNIA - NAPA VALLEY
Snowden
Since 1955, the Snowdens have farmed their vineyard high above the Napa Valley. In addition to the stunning views of St. Helena, Rutherford and the San Francisco Bay, the estate offers four separate sites producing remarkably complex and individualistic wines. Winemaking duties are in the capable hands of Diana Snowden Seysses. The winery produces Bordeaux blends from their estate vineyards and a small amount of Sauvignon Blanc from a small parcel they call the Lost Vineyard.
Grapes / Soils
| Cabernet Sauvignon (75%), Cabernet Franc (20%), Petit Verdot (5%) | Planted 1962, 1981, 2009 | Perlite (volcanic), sand | 7 acres |
The Wine
Harvest Notes
- Harvest began Oct 8th for the Merlot and finished Oct 18th for the Cabernet, just before the rains.
- The grapes were picked by hand.
- Fermentation began naturally a little over one week after picking.
- The wines were pressed 10 to 14 days later and were transferred to French oak barrels; 50% new for the Reserve, 30% new for the Ranch.
- They immediately showed themselves to be classic, elegant Snowden Cabernets, with both ripe flavors and poise.
- They were bottled, unfiltered, May 2012.
Winemaker's Notes
- Blend: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot This wine was composed of our Los Ricos and Pool Cabernet Sauvignon Vineyards plus our Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, yielding the above blend.
- The result is a self-assured, masculine wine with impressive focus.
- It has aromas of plum, cedar and nutmeg; it follows on the palate with dark fruits, chalky tannins and a stony, focused minerality.
- This wine is powerful yet restrained.
- It should be decanted if enjoyed in its youth and should evolve and improve over the next 15 years.
Wine Summary
- Made from Cabernet Sauvignon (75%), Cabernet Franc (20%), Petit Verdot (5%) grapes.
- Vine age – planted 1962, 1981, 2009.
- Grown on soils of Perlite (volcanic), sand.
- Fermented in stainless steel tanks, using naturally occurring yeast.
- Aged in French oak barrels, 50% new.
- Aged for 18 months.
- Bottled unfiltered.
Technical Information
- Cabernet Sauvignon – 75%
- Cabernet Franc – 19%
- Petit Verdot – 6%
- Fermented using naturally occurring yeast
- Aged in French oak barrels – 50% new
- Bottled unfiltered – May 2012
- Alcohol – 15.5%
- Cases Produced – 660
Reviews
92 Points
Pure and well-focused on dark berry, with plum, currant and black cherry at the core. Cedar, crushed rock and loamy earth notes emerge on the finish, where the tannins give the flavors traction. Drink now through 2024.
Wine Spectator, August, 2013
94+ Points
Crushed rocks, graphite, spices, dark cherries, flowers and melted road tar all come to life in the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve. The 2010 stands apart for its freshness, nuance and pure vibrancy, all of which serve to balance the wine’s sumptuous, engaging personality. A harmonious, perfumed finish rounds things out in style.
© Wine Advocate, December, 2012
93 Points
It is interesting to compare it to the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, which ratchets up the level of concentration, power and intensity. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by aromas of black currants, loamy soil, forest floor, licorice and baking spices. Rich, opulent, medium to full-bodied and more concentrated and layered than its younger sibling, it should drink well for 10-15+ years.
© Wine Advocate, October, 2013
92 Points
Bright medium ruby. Crushed berries, minerals, violet, bitter chocolate and cinnamon on the nose. At once broad and vibrant, with a distinctly cool quality to the intense flavors of black cherry, violet and minerals.
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Review, May, 2012
93 Points
Full black ruby. Vibrant aromas of black fruits, plum, minerals, mocha and brown spices. Fleshy, broad and suave, showing a fine-grained texture and excellent inner-mouth lift to the dark berry and licorice flavors.
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Review, June, 2013
94+ Points
Crushed rocks, graphite, spices, dark cherries, flowers and melted road tar all come to life in the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve. The 2010 stands apart for its freshness, nuance and pure vibrancy, all of which serve to balance the wine’s sumptuous, engaging personality.
Antonio Galloni - vinousmedia.com, October, 2013
General Info
| Country | USA |
| Region | Napa Valley |
| Appellation(s) | Napa Valley |
| Proprietors | Scott and Joann Snowden and Randy and Janet Snowden, managing directors of Snowden Vineyards |
| Founded | 1955 |
| Winemaker | Diana Snowden-Seysses |
| Annual Production | 2,900 9L cases |
| Farming (Sustainable, organic, biodynamic) | Sustainable (including no chemical herbicides used in vineyards) |
