Snowden
Merlot Lost Vineyard – 2018
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
| Merlot | Planted 1962, 1981, 2009 | Perlite (volcanic), sand | 2 acres |
The Wine
Vineyard Profile
- 2 acre Lost Vineyard block
- Soils: Perlite and sand
Harvest Notes
- Hand harvested on 9/20/2018
- Fermented with only native wild yeasts
- Malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels, 50% new, 50% used
- Aged 14 months in barrel
- Bottled unfined and unfiltered on 12/3/2019
Winemaker's Notes
The 2018 Merlot is bright and bouncy, with crunchy red fruit, a juicy mouth-watering texture, and faint, supple tannins. The wine is made to be enjoyed simply and with friends – its joyous energy is contagious. Pair the wine with grilled meat and vegetables seasoned with fresh herbs, salt, and olive oil.
Wine Summary
95% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon; alcohol: 14%; 2 acre Lost Vineyard block; soils: Perlite and sand; hand harvested; fermented using only native wild yeasts; malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels, 50% new, 50% used; aged 14 months in barrel; bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Technical Information
- 95%% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes
- Alcohol: 14.0%
Reviews
90-92 Points
The 2018 Merlot Lost Vineyard is deep, rich and flavorful, with super-expressive savory, earthy, cedary notes from the 5% Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. The 2018 is wonderfully deep and resonant, yet very much in the Snowden style. This is a very nice wine.
Vinous - Antonio Galloni, January, 2020
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) |