Snowden Vineyards
Cabernet Sauvignon The Ranch – 2022
Region: CALIFORNIA - NAPA VALLEY
Snowden Vineyards
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
Estate vineyards in the Vaca mountains of Napa Valley.
- Cabernet from the Lost Orchard Vineyard at the top of the property at 850 feet, coolest black on property with East exposure
- Cabernet from the Pool Block, the lowest estate vineyard at 650 feet with West exposure
- Merlot from Lost Vineyard block at 800 feet
- Soils: Rhyolite (volcanic sands)
- CS Vines Planted: 1997
- CS Clone 8 on 110R rootstock
- MR Clone 181
Harvest Notes
- 2022 growing season began with ample groundwater, followed by textbook weather
- Budbreak 3rd week of March, flowering in May with high temperatures
- End August brought high heat wave, with attendant minute monitoring and precise hand pick windows September 1 – 12, 2022
- Cabernet just reached phenolic and flavor ripeness as sugar began to accelerate: native yeast multiplication and some extraction started in vineyard
- Very little pumpover or punchdown activity
- Fermented using only native yeast in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks
- Aged 7 months in 30% new French oak, balance seasoned French oak
- Bottled unfined May 4, 2023
Winemaker's Notes
Juicy and forward, exploding with fruit – black cherries, plum – highlighted by hints of spice, including cloves and tobacco. The 2022 version of our Ranch cuvée shows the sunny, hedonistic side of California, a vintage leaving little room for savory, reserved-styled wines. The ‘22 Ranch cleans into the exuberance which made fruit-forward wines so very popular. The tannins are melted to the point of a mere suggestion, but the acidity our site classically retains is there keeping the finish crisp. The wine is like biting into a ripe, juicy cherry and will keep you coming back for more.
Wine Summary
75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot; alcohol: 15%; 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 September 1 – 12, 2022; wild yeasts only; fermented dry; aged 7 months in 30% new, balance neutral French oak barrels; bottled unfined on 5/4/2023.
Technical Information
- 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot
- Alcohol: 15%
Reviews
91 Points
Lifted savory aromas of blackcurrants, rose hips and tobacco leaves. The palate is full-bodied with finely integrated tannins and acidity, giving tightly wound notes of mulberries, graphite and cedar. Drinkable now, but best from 2028.
jamessuckling.com, November, 2024
91 Points
Snowden’s 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon The Ranch blends in 24% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot. Scents of black cherries are joined by hints of vanilla, cedar and brown sugar on the nose, while the full-bodied palate shows a good bit more structure and tannin than the Merlot (as there should be), but the wine still retains a sense of elegance on the velvety, tea-tinged finish. Good value. 2025 – 2035
© Wine Advocate, February, 2025
93 Points
A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot, sourced from vineyards at 180–245 metres (600–800 feet) in volcanic rhyolite soils and fermented with native yeast and aged just seven months in French oak before being bottled unfined. High-toned violets and sagebrush mingle with tobacco, while Bing cherry and plum fill the mid-palate with impressive density and weight. The Merlot adds fleshy, spiced plum fruit, complementing firm yet inviting tannins. The finish is long, marked by wet slate and mineral tension—a solid effort in a challenging vintage, offering good freshness and food-friendly balance. 2025 -2033
Decanter, February, 2025
91 Points
Mulled plum and cherry fruit is slightly muted in energy but percolates steadily alongside dried anise and sassafras hints. A flash of red tea adds range on the finish, where a slightly toothy plum skin note hangs. Overall this is less overt than the typical ’22, with some stylish character. Drink now through 2031.
Wine Spectator, August, 2025
16 Points
Full bottle 1,310 g. 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot. Matured seven months in French oak.
Deep ruby with a wide meniscus. Sweet black and red fruit, vanilla-laced nose. A skosh of bitterness with ripe red fruit on the palate and balancing acid. Slightly warming mocha character to the finish. Pleasurable but for early drinking. 2025 – 2030
JancisRobinson.com, August, 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) |