2010 Snowden Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
Bright ruby-red. Aromas of black plum, licorice, mocha, cocoa powder and graphite minerality. Densely packed and fine-grained, with a touch of Cabernet Franc violet perfume lifting the wine's very dark flavors. At once distinctly floral and powerfully structured, this wine has the density and concentration to go on for many more years. Finishes with firm, tongue-saturating yet sweet tannins, a touch of medicinal austerity and superb length. I'd still give well-stored bottles of this wine another couple years in the cellar. Made from vineyards in the hills east of Rutherford.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Made by Diana Seysses of Domaine Dujac. No shortage of alcohol even in 2010! Very complete, layered nose. Then, somehow, quite fresh on the finish (until the alcohol insinuates itself). Brava! An admirably integrated wine with a beginning, middle and end. (JR)
It is interesting to compare it to the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, which ratchets up the level of concentration, power and intensity. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by aromas of black currants, loamy soil, forest floor, licorice and baking spices. Rich, opulent, medium to full-bodied and more concentrated and layered than its younger sibling, it should drink well for 10-15+ years. 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
(15.5% alcohol; includes 20% cabernet franc and 5% petit verdot): Full black ruby. Vibrant aromas of black fruits, plum, minerals, mocha and brown spices. Fleshy, broad and suave, showing a fine-grained texture and excellent inner-mouth lift to the dark berry and licorice flavors. The slowly building finish features ripe tannins and excellent subtle length; very dry in a classic way. Again, I was not aware of the high alcohol.