Snowden
Cabernet Sauvignon Brothers Vineyard – 2023
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.
The Wine
Vineyard Profile
A 2 acre-block on the Palomino hill section of estate Brothers Vineyard. Vines planted on this Eastern ridge between Rutherford and St. Helena, in the Vaca mountains of Napa Valley.
- Altitude: 800 feet
- Soil: Ryolite (volcanic sands)
- Exposure: East
- Vines Planted: Cabernet – 2011; Petit Verdot – 1962, 1981, 2009
- CS Clone Selections: 337, 191, 169
Harvest Notes
- Winter & spring rains set up a healthy growing season
- Cool and even temperatures
- One of longest growing seasons, allowing extended hang time and gradual ripening
- Hand harvested October 12-13, 2023
- Fermented with wild, native yeasts only
- Aged 18 months in 30% new French oak barrels
- Bottled May 7, 2025
Winemaker's Notes
The 2023 Brothers Vineyard Cabernet shows strength, focus and length, with aromas of brooding dark black fruit, graphite, and licorice. On the palate, it is concentrated and layered, yet structured by a firm, steely backbone. Balancing grace with power, this wine exemplifies the classic character of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
Wine Summary
97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot; alcohol: 14.5%; estate vineyards in Vaca mountains overlooking Napa Valley between 650-850 feet; rhyolite soil (volcanic sands); fruit from Pool Block, 650 ft altitude, Lost Orchard at 850ft and Lost Vineyard 800ft; vines planted 1997; hand harvested October 12-13, 2023; fermented using only native yeast; aged 18 months in 30% new French oak barrels; bottled unfined on May 7, 2025.
Technical Information
- 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot
- Alcohol: 15.5%
Reviews
97 Points
The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Brothers Vineyard emerges from the top parcels at the Snowden estate. Strong spice, mineral and earthy notes meld into a core of dark-toned fruit. This potent, muscular Cabernet is wonderfully evocative and intense of this hillside site planted at 850 feet in elevation. A dollop of Petit Verdot rounds out the blend. This might be the single greatest Napa Valley wine I have tasted from Diana Snowden. 2028 – 2043
Vinous - Antonio Galloni, November, 2025
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) |