Snowden Cabernet Sauvignon The Ranch 2018

Situated on the eastern slopes of the Napa Valley, the Snowden Ranch lies just east of the Rutherford and St. Helena appellations, a few miles south of Howell Mountain, and a mile north of Pritchard Hill. Here at the confluence of these appellations, the Snowden family tends 23 acres of vineyards planted in the hidden valleys and on the gentler hillsides of the Vaca Mountains. The goal here is to create classically styled, terroir-driven wines which reflect the unique heritage and character of this site. The Snowden's came to this property in 1955 – originally a 160 acre homestead, the ranch has a grape-growing history dating back to 1878. During decades of stewardship, four generations of Snowdens have been privileged to walk the woods and vineyards of this lovely and secluded place.

Always determined to preserve and protect the natural environment of the ranch, the Snowden's farm only 23 acres, leaving the remaining 137 acres in woods and forests. To maintain a balanced and healthy ecosystem within the vineyards, they utilize organic farming practices and, in the cellar, make wines with as little intervention as possible to ensure they honestly reflect terroir, vintage and variety. Winemaker Diana Snowden Seysses, from the family’s third generation as winegrowers, uses her new and old world winemaking experience to produce elegant, balanced, wines showcasing the nuances of our site.   

Back in the 1990s, grapes from the property went to a number of other vintners, including Silver Oak Wine Cellars, Frank Family Vineyard, David Ramey, Viader, and Caymus Vineyards. Commencing with the 1993 harvest, the Snowdens began to retain a portion of each harvest for the production of estate-specific family wines. Gradually, an increasing amount of the grapes produced from the property are used in Snowden wines. The 2018 Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon greets you with aromas of tobacco and crushed blackberries. On the palate it is poised and fresh. Flavors of black fruit are buttressed by orange rind and warm tannins.