Snowden Merlot 2009
"The 2009 Merlot is a huge wine. A deep, expressive bouquet laced with tar, camphor and chocolate leads to layers of dark fruit. This is a fabulous wine endowed with tons of richness, but there are also plenty of tannins to provide support. The 2009 remains incredibly primary, in fact the only problem here is waiting for the wine to soften.
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 Merlot
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
100% Merlot
"Our Merlot has historically served as a important blending component in our Cabernet Sauvignons.
It is a beautiful and complete stand alone wine.
The this is our first Merlot. The 2009 Merlot has a bright freshness due to the location at 850 feet off the valley floor.
It is medium bodied, elegant and impressively long with fine, seamless tannins.
We made 5 barrels, 125 cases of this lovely wine."
| Varietal Blend | 100% estate Merlot |
| Quantity | 125 cases |
| Alcohol | 15.2% alc. |