Priest Ranch believes that all wines must stem from the land itself. Winemaker and viticulturist, Craig Becker, draws on our rich, diverse Estate vineyard to bring the Priest Ranch wines to life. Featuring a variety of elevations, exposures, soils and microclimates, our Estate provides fruit uncommon quality and character for Priest Ranch wines.
Priest Ranch embodies the essence of Napa Valley, from the trailblazing mindset of its first pioneers to today's spirit of agricultural excellence and preservation. Inspired by James Joshua Priest, one of the original settlers in the area, Priest Ranch is dedicated to producing estate farmed wines of uncommon quality and character.
We believe that all great wines are a reflection of the land itself. For Priest Ranch wines, Winemaker & Co-founder Craig Becker draws on the diverse vineyards throughout our property for the distinctive and unique characteristics afforded in its fruit through the variety of elevations, exposures, soils, and microclimates.
The original Priest Ranch estate was established in 1869 by James Joshua Priest, a Gold Rush prospector. In 2004, we purchased this historic, 660 acre property and combined it with a 955 acre estate in Elder Valley – together creating our current Somerston Estate.
Today, our 1,615-acre estate is farmed with 230 acres of producing vineyards, in 15 distinct sites, encompassing over 180 different varietal blocks. Located high on the eastern hill of the Vaca Mountains above St. Helena, the estates’ varied range in elevations, exposures, soils, and microclimates allow us to create wines which showcase distinct expressions of its diverse terroir.
At Somerston Estate we employ intentional and leadership-driven viticulture and viniculture practices, borne of the pioneering spirit of our agrarian heritage. We subscribe to the challenge of cultivated excellence, seeking simplicity and preserved integrity at all times.
REVIEW
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Snake Oil needs a little swirling to reveal emerging notes of freshly crushed blackcurrants, blackberry pie and mulberries plus suggestions of tilled soil, cedar chest and Indian spices with a touch of roses. The full-bodied palate completely coats the mouth with opulent black fruit preserves and exotic spice layers, supported by velvety tannins and lovely freshness, finishing long and perfumed.
-Wine Advocate 93+ Points
The 2018 Priest Ranch Snake Oil is all Cabernet Sauvignon, from a trio of hillside vineyards on the Somerston Estate. It has beautiful blueberry and plum fruits as well as notes of sappy herbs, violets, and bouquet garni. More medium-bodied, focused, and elegant, it shines for its purity, freshness, and length. It’s a classic 2018 that will have 15+ years of longevity.
-Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points
Our 2018 Snake Oil was handpicked, sorted, and fermented naturally, then aged for 24 months in 75% new French oak barrels and 25% once-used French oak barrels.
HARVEST NOTES
The early half of 2018 brought us moderate temperature allowing for a long growing season. We had a majority of our rainfall in February followed by a mild Spring. Then summer brought consistent temperatures with little heat spikes. This weather allowed for longer hang time and for the fruit to ripen at a slower rate. The 2018 harvest at our estate began in late August and resulted in exceptional quality.
Segries Tavel Rose is made from 50% Grenache, 30% Cinsault, 15% Clairette, 5% Syrah. The age of the vines is 30 years. Traditional vinification at low temperature, "vin de saignée" with a maceration during one night in cement vat.
This is large for a Rose...structured and focused, with the color of dark ruby. The nose is loaded up with fresh fruit. Strawberry, blackcurrant, and raspberry beam from the glass. On the palate, the mouth-feel is ripe and succulent. It has strength, but maintains its fresh and crisp expression. The finish is filled with Asian spice and slight hints of smoke. Drink this juice now or over the next year or two.
Robert Mondavi Winery The Estates Red Blend is made from 49% Cabernet Franc, 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot.
Robert Mondavi’s vision was to elevate Napa to the world stage. In celebration of his achievement, our Napa Tier wines are sourced from distinctive vineyards throughout the Napa Valley and truly emulate a classic Napa Valley style.
Aromas of blackberry, cherry, toasted almond, bay leaf and mocha. Luscious ripe cherry and cassis, with savory notes of dried herbs and toast. Rich, weighty, and mouth-coating, with classic fine To Kalon tannins.
Review:
This has a pretty fragrance of violets, green peppercorns, salted olives, blackcurrants and black raspberries. Creamy, salted dark chocolate and praline to follow. Medium-to full-bodied with fine-grained tannins. Delicious and superbly balanced. 50% cabernet franc, 47% cabernet sauvignon and 3% petit verdot.
-James Sucking 94 Points
The 2019 Red Blend Estate comes all from the To Kalon Vineyard and is close to an even split of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. It's a clear step up over the base Red Blend and offers terrific, full-bodied aromas and flavors of darker fruits, dark chocolate, violets, and a kiss of spring flowers. With silky tannins, terrific balance, and outstanding length, it's going to evolve for 15 years or so.
-Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points