2011 Snowden Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

(14.2% alcohol): Bright, moderately saturated medium red. Currant, menthol and balsamic notes of tobacco and cedar on the nose. Displays more grip and flavor authority than the Ranch cabernet, with more depth and a tighter grain to the flavors of redcurrant and tobacco. Juicy, energetic and persistent, finishing with dusty tannins. This may yet merit a 90-point rating.

Another gorgeous wine, the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve has a bit more depth than the Ranch, partly because Cabernet Franc takes the place of Merlot as a supporting component in the wine. Sweet red cherries, wild flowers and spices ring out on a refined, textured finish that leaves a lasting impression.

The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is composed of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. It reveals more licorice and black currant characteristics as well as a deeper, denser mouthfeel, medium body, and the soft, precocious, upfront, endearing style that is very much a part of this vintage. Much of Snowden’s beautiful vineyard situated above the Auberge du Soleil, next to Sloan, was replanted several years ago. From the second generation of Snowdens, Diane Snowden Seysses has taken a more active involvement in the winemaking, and it looks like she’s brought a Pinot Noir sensitivity to the Bordeaux varietals. Tasting through a group of lots from 2012 showed it, not surprisingly, to be a much richer vintage than 2011. The wines are fruit-forward with full-bodied intensity, lots of purity and supple, velvety tannins. It should be a real winner. Tel. (707) 963-4292