Snowden
Sauvignon Blanc Sunninghill – 2019
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
| Sauvignon Blanc | Planted 2000 | Perlite (volcanic), sand | 1 acre |
The Wine
Vineyard Profile
- Single acre of “free-thinking and exuberant” Sauvignon Blanc in middle of Eastern-most Lost Orchard area
- Vineyard on bluff bordering Lake Hennessey
- Altitude: 800 feet
Harvest Notes
- Hand harvested on 9/9/2019
- Whole cluster pressed
- Fermented using only wild native yeasts in stainless steel and used oak barrels
- Aged sur lies for 6 months
- No malolactic fermentation
- Bottled 4/13/2020
Winemaker's Notes
The 2019 Sauvignon Blanc comes from our single acre Sunninghill vineyard block and is another beauty, with a bouquet of grass, white flowers, and honeydew. On the palate the wine has a creamy texture from an elevage on fine lees, lightened with natural citrusy acidity from the vineyard’s 800 feet of elevation. In January, the 2018 vintage of this wine took gold at the Concours Mondial du Sauvignon Blanc, where it was matched against Sauvignon Blancs from around the world. The 2019 comes from the same vines and is remarkably similar in its weight and profile.
Wine Summary
100% Sauvignon Blanc; alcohol: 13.2%; 1 acre block in Lost Orchard vineyard at 800 feet; hand harvested and whole cluster pressed; fermented with only wild native yeasts; aged sur lie in stainless steel and used oak barrels for 6 months.
Technical Information
- 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes
- Alcohol: 13.2%
Reviews
90 Points
Generous, fleshy apricot, white peach and melon flavors are fresh and lively, with hints of candied orange peel and apple skin on the finish. Drink now. 158 cases made.
Wine Spectator, December, 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) |
