Nose
Beguiling perfume and the unmistakable profile of the Snowden terroir -- blueberries, violets, and wet stone. Aromas of creme de cassis, burning embers, licorice and smoked herbs.
Palate
A stylish, ballerina of a wine: balanced and elegant, with fine tannins, refreshing natural acidity. It ratchets up the body, concentration and depth yet possesses silky smooth tannis and a forward style. This beauty should drink well for 15+ years.
Growing Conditions
The 2008 growing year was a good one for the grapes that made it to wine, but a challenging one for the wine grower. The winter was dry, the spring included the worst frost season in decades followed by a memorable heat spike in May bracketed by rainstorms and strong winds. The erratic weather resulted in high levels of “shatter,” or irregular set of the berries in the cluster. Yields were down 45% from 2007. The tumultuous spring gave way to a relatively cool and even summer. The grapes ripened slowly and gently, developing good flavor and soft tannins. We picked the Merlot on September 15; and the Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot during the first two weeks of October.
Aging
18 months in French oak barrels
