Snowden

The Ranch Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

9.154 ratings
9.113 pro ratings
Napa Valley, California, USA
Cabernet Sauvignon
Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Pasta, Venison, Tomato-Based, Potato, Pork, Chocolate & Caramel, White Rice, Mushrooms, Beef, Lamb, Chili & Hot Spicy
Top Notes For
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8.8

I drank this over three days and kept waiting for it to show a little more delineation, but it just didn’t have it to show. I’m finding many of the $40-$60 wines from 2012 to be a bit underwhelming. They seem to be fairly straightforward and lack the definition and complexity other vintages have shown. I haven’t dipped into my higher-end 2012s yet, but I hope they don’t show the same character.

I drank this over three days and kept waiting for it to show a little more delineation, but it just didn’t have it to show. I’m finding many of the $40-$60 wines from 2012 to be a bit underwhelming. They seem to be fairly straightforward and lack the definition and complexity other vintages have shown. I haven’t dipped into my higher-end 2012s yet, but I hope they don’t show the same character.

1 person found it helpfulSep 8th, 2019
Joshua Blissett

My "Red Wine Of The Year" from 2014. Distinct Napa density without being overbearing. Lifted from acid structure, elegant tannins, amazing all around.

My "Red Wine Of The Year" from 2014. Distinct Napa density without being overbearing. Lifted from acid structure, elegant tannins, amazing all around.

1 person found it helpfulJan 26th, 2015
Jeremiah Allen

Boysenberry, bitter chocolate, dank violets. Love the structure.

Boysenberry, bitter chocolate, dank violets. Love the structure.

Jul 25th, 2015
Sue Mohle

Briar, tobacco, blue fruits WOW

Briar, tobacco, blue fruits WOW

Feb 20th, 2015
M. Christopher Roebuck

Comparing to the 13 last night...
This is not quite as big in alcohol. Even more opaque. More silky on the tongue. Instead of a green front I got a little spice, nutmeg. Tannins were softer. In sum, I give the slight nod to 2013 Snowden over 2012 Snowden. Experiment complete.

92 points

Comparing to the 13 last night...
This is not quite as big in alcohol. Even more opaque. More silky on the tongue. Instead of a green front I got a little spice, nutmeg. Tannins were softer. In sum, I give the slight nod to 2013 Snowden over 2012 Snowden. Experiment complete.

92 points

Jul 3rd, 2017
Vanessa

Earth and leather - mild fruit. And oak.

Earth and leather - mild fruit. And oak.

Feb 19th, 2017
Bob Schroeck

Dranknl with Michael and Mary at The Mooring

Dranknl with Michael and Mary at The Mooring

Oct 7th, 2016
LM Segal

Textbook Napa cab, nose of mocha and stony dark fruit. Big if a bit linear, but so nicely done you forgive it and move on to the waves of unctuous plummy, earthy tones. A winner, fer sure! Thanks, James @liverpoolhouse!

Textbook Napa cab, nose of mocha and stony dark fruit. Big if a bit linear, but so nicely done you forgive it and move on to the waves of unctuous plummy, earthy tones. A winner, fer sure! Thanks, James @liverpoolhouse!

Sep 7th, 2016
M. Christopher Roebuck

Ok... Snowden... first, as you will notice, this is my second bottle of the evening. So, maybe I'm being paranoid, but before opening... I changed my WiFi password.

So the bouquet is riddled with spoiled milk. I am a novice so someone please explain myself. But that's the nose.

Tasting, I get a nice round (I know I use that a lot) mouthful of Cedar. Tannins are perfect. Damn good! Traitor!

92 points

Ok... Snowden... first, as you will notice, this is my second bottle of the evening. So, maybe I'm being paranoid, but before opening... I changed my WiFi password.

So the bouquet is riddled with spoiled milk. I am a novice so someone please explain myself. But that's the nose.

Tasting, I get a nice round (I know I use that a lot) mouthful of Cedar. Tannins are perfect. Damn good! Traitor!

92 points

Sep 1st, 2016
miniapple sweet

Excellent cab, although I must say the name was detracting...American fugitive. Espionage, perhaps that's why they are selling it at Costco. If it wasn't for the solid delectable rating, I wouldn't have bought it. Big, bold, great with a fab piece of red meat! I would go back and buy a case, yes it was that good, I think $39.

Excellent cab, although I must say the name was detracting...American fugitive. Espionage, perhaps that's why they are selling it at Costco. If it wasn't for the solid delectable rating, I wouldn't have bought it. Big, bold, great with a fab piece of red meat! I would go back and buy a case, yes it was that good, I think $39.

Apr 30th, 2016