Snowden Cabernet The Ranch 2017, Napa Valley, California

For three generations the Snowden family has been farming red wine grapes on their ranch located on the eastern slope of the Napa Valley overlooking the towns of Rutherford and St. Helena. The property is in the heartland of vineyards of distinction and character; it touches both the Rutherford and St. Helena appellations, and the Howell Mountain appellation is a few hundred yards away. The vineyards are planted well above the valley floor, protecting them from temperature extremes, on well-drained perlite soils. The wines from this exceptional site are layered, powerful and harmonious. For fifty years, the Snowdens have been stewards of this vineyard. ‘The Ranch’ is an approachable, richly perfumed, terroir-driven Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Produced entirely from grapes grown on the property, the 2014 shows distinct Cabernet Sauvignon character, knitted with suppleness from the Merlot, structure and elegance from the Cabernet Franc, and aromatics, spice, color, and finesse from the always-influential Petit Verdot. 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot; 1891 cases made. Aged 18 months in French oak, 50% new. Winemaker Notes: “A bit shyer than years past, the 2014 Ranch has a bouquet of pencil lead and steel, red fruit, marzipan, blackberries and cracked black pepper. Red fruit and anise persist on the palate with vigorous tannins and bright acidity — enjoy immediately and for the next decade.”