2014 Snowden Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon The Ranch Napa Valley 750 ml

Napa Cabernet: Galloni’s “Best Value”

On the eastern slopes of the valley between St. Helena and Rutherford, you’ll find the Snowden family ranch, just 23 acres of vines surrounded by 160 acres of woods and pasture the Snowdens treasure. A stone’s throw away lay the vineyards of Phelps, Sloan, and Seavey.

In 2014, the Napa growing season that inspired Wine Spectator to call it “a dream vintage,” the Snowdens enjoyed a “perfect” year on the Ranch. A “glorious” spring and an early, relatively uniform bloom were followed by a moderately warm and sunny summer, with veraison in full swing by mid-July. An early harvest wrapped up by Sept. 20th. Winemaker Diana Snowden Seysses talked about how “energized and excited” everyone on the Ranch was to see the fruit coming in, with small clusters and waxy bloom.

WineAccess members pounce on each allocation of the Snowden Cabernet Sauvignon “The Ranch” that we’re able to offer. This 2014 more than continues that string of excellence. On this one, our words can’t compete with the praise from Antonio Galloni. The founder of Vinous says, “The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon The Ranch is another gorgeous wine from Snowden,” one that “has it all.” Galloni adds, “The Ranch is one of the best values readers will find in Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Don't miss it!”

The 2014 Snowden Cabernet Sauvignon “The Ranch” is inky black, with deep ruby hues. Explosive aromas of red berry fruit, creme-de-cassis, licorice, and sweet baking spice. Powerful, rich, and juicy on the attack, packed with black cherry, Damson plum and savory tobacco leaf and crushed herb complexity. Incredibly smooth and supple tannins are buttressed by mouthwatering acidity on a generous dark-fruited finish tinged with exotic spices. Drink now for its youthful hedonism or cellar for a decade or more.