Snowden "The Ranch" Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

"The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon The Ranch bursts from the glass with masses of dark red fruit, tobacco, licorice and cassis. The wine shows marvelous depth and texture as the aromas and flavors build effortlessly to the dramatic, sweeping finish. This is a superb effort, and certainly one of the very finest Napa Valley wines available for the money. This is a big and hugely delicious wine. In 2009 the blend is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18.2% Cabernet Franc and 6.8% Petit Verdot.

Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019.

Snowden Vineyards lies in one of the more remote corners of the Napa Valley. Unpaved roads accessible only by 4x4 lead to the four different hillside vineyards. Over the last few years, the Snowden family has made significant investments with the goal of improving viticulture. As for the wines, they are terrific and getting better under the leadership of Diana Snowden Seysses."

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate : 2009 Snowden "The Ranch" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
93 points

From Diana Snowden Seysses

"The growing season began with much needed rain in February and March. Spring and summer were cool with relatively even temperatures. Indeed, the growing season was ideal, without heat spikes or off-shore winds, allowing for even ripening, up until mid-October. Every vintage has its surprises and challenges; ours sprung October 13th when we got more rain in one day than in any month of October in the past 40 years. We had 25% of our fruit in tank; the rest was still on the vine.

At that point, I was glad to have the dual perspective of making wine in both Burgundy and Napa. We make beautiful wines from moistened grapes most years in Burgundy. I felt confident that our loose-clustered, tough-skinned Cabernet would weather the storm. We waited 10 days for the fruit and roads to dry out, and then picked the fruit, sorting it thoroughly in the winery.

These wines are the product of a near perfect growing season. They have both balance and ripeness and while the effects of the rainstorm are perceptible--I attribute a softness on the palate to the rains. It did not diminish their inherent beauty."

Winemaker's Notes

The Ranch- 75.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19.1% Merlot, 3.8% Cabernet Franc, 1.6% Petit Verdot
The wine greets you with aromas of cedar and red fruit. It is medium-bodied, with soft plummy fruit, spices and fine tannins.

Varietal Blend	75.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19.1% Merlot, 3.8% Cabernet Franc, 1.6% Petit Verdot
Quantity	1600 cases