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Snowden Vineyards

2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Los Ricos Vineyard

The Los Ricos Cabernet Sauvignon comes from a low yielding, single acre block located a half mile west and 200 feet below the Brothers Vineyard.  Los Ricos lies on an eastern slope with morning sun exposure and well-drained volcanic soils. The 2021 growing year was very dry, the yields were small, but the growing temperatures moderate, all contributing to this elegant, balanced and traditionally styled Cabernet.  Winemaker Diana Snowden Seysses likes its " delightful bouquet of red cherries, dried meats and almond blossoms. On the palate it has fine, silky tannins coupled with a juicy, red-fruit-driven mouthfeel."  Harvested on September 11, 2021, and fermented by wild, native yeasts, the wine was aged for 19 months in French oak, 30% new, and bottled unblended and unfined in May of 2023.  732 bottles were produced, plus 60 magnums.

Continues to be available for a limited time only by direct purchase
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$110.00
 
SKU: SNCSLR21
Wine Specs
Vintage
2021
Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation
Napa Valley
Vineyard Designation
Los Ricos Vineyard
Harvest Date
September 11, 2021
Aging
19 months in French oak barrels, 50% new
Bottling Date
May 4, 2023
Residual Sugar
Fermented dry, no sugar added
Alcohol %
13.5
Wine Profile
Vineyard Notes
The 2021 growing season began with very little water in the soils and continued to walk a fine line, right at the edge of the rainfall required to meet the physiological needs of the vines. Spring was mild and clear, so flowering unfolded under ideal conditions. Low rain resulted in short shoot growth and little little work to do in the “passes” to remove lateral shoots and then leaves. Fortunately, there were no heat spikes or drying offshore winds -- a heat wave would have been disastrous for the crop in such a dry year. The crop was light, with small clusters and tiny berries. The reds began coming in with the Merlot on September 6; the first Cabernet Sauvignon came in on September 11. Overall, yields were 30% to 60% below average, depending on the block, but the fruit quality was superb, giving us wines intense with nerve and style.
Winemaker Notes
Our one-acre, east-facing Los Ricos Vineyard had a very low yield 2021 – just 2,540 pounds of fruit. What we lacked in volume was made up for in quality. This balanced, complete, unblended wine has a delightful bouquet of red cherries, dried meats and almond blossoms. On the palate it has fine, silky tannins coupled with a juicy, red-fruit-driven mouthfeel. It is soft, gentle and yielding, once again playing a counterbalance to the Brothers in spirit and character.