Snowden Vineyard Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

BN#257260

Snowden Vineyard

The 2006 Reserve has a captivatingly dark bouquet. Black fruit is accented with toasted cedar and cloves. It has a quiet energy that lasts for minutes on the palate. Dark fruit and fine, tightly-wound tannins persist. While this wine will drink well young, those who wait will be rewarded. It is dense and layered, and will blossom over the next 10-15 years.

Wine Advocate

The prodigious 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 8+% Petit Verdot, and about 5% Cabernet Franc) reveals aromas of flowers, espresso roast, blackberries, and creme de cassis. This exuberant, rich, full-bodied Cabernet coats the palate, but is neither heavy nor overbearing. Sweet, substantial, well-integrated tannins along with decent acidity, and a stunningly long, 50-second finish make for a compelling glass of young, but promising Cabernet Sauvignon. This 2006 should hit its peak in 3-5 years, and last for 25 or more..

Score: 95. —Robert Parker, December 2008.

Wine Spectator

A touch earthy at first, but the flavors build and expand, with a medley of herb and mineral joined by dry currant, cedar and spice. Very Pauillac-like in its structure, balance and restraint. Keeps getting better with every sip. Best from 2010 through 2017.

Score: 94. —James Laube, July 31, 2009.

International Wine Cellar

Dark ruby. Currant, minerals, dark chocolate, tobacco, loam, smoke, roast coffee and spicebox scents on the complex nose. Lush, concentrated and broad, with a seamless texture and a captivating restrained sweetness. A wine with serious stuffing, and a step up in intensity and suavity from the Ranch bottling. Finishes very long, with slowly mounting flavors and sweet tannins.

Score: 93. —Stephen Tanzer, May 01, 2009.