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.
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The Grade Cabernet Sauvignon Serpent's Back Napa Valley is made from 100 percent Cabernet Sauvignon.
Review:
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Serpent's Back shows a more aromatic, high-toned side of this site. Bright red/purplish berry fruit, pomegranate, cinnamon and sweet floral accents are all laced together. The Serpent's Back is the most refined of these three Cabernets, but it has plenty of Calistoga punch.
-- Antonio Galloni 95 Points
Pago de Carraovejas Ribera Del Duero is made from 92%, Cabernet Sauvignon 5% and Merlot 3%.
The Pago de Carraovejas Ribera del Duero vintage marks a turning point in the history of the winery. From now on, the Crianza and Reserva are unified in this wine that focuses on the terroir and character rather than the time of aging. Its renewed label reflects the three key elements of this red: origin, soul and emotion.
Pago de Carraovejas Ribera Del Duero is made with grapes grown in the Botijas River valley, and planted between 1988 and 2011. Our work over the last 30 years has been geared to handcrafted viniculture, that puts as much care as possible into the microclimate conditions and the details. We have placed particular attention on the maintenance of the soil by plant cover that already grows spontaneously. It allows us to develop the ecosystem of the valley, which we respect scrupulously, using organic fertilizer and sulfur as the sole basis of our viticulture.
Depending on which plot they come from and the time they enter the winery, the grapes may be deposited in cold chambers to prevent oxidation and preserve the aroma. We carry out a two-part selection: first on the vine, where we choose the bunches, and then on a belt in the winery, where we remove the grapes that do meet the necessary conditions. The grapes enter the winery and are transported with the assistance of gravity. The deposits are filled slowly and gently. Depending on the characteristics that we detected when tasting the grapes, we ferment them either in stainless steel deposits or French oak barrels. For years we have worked with our own yeast that has been isolated from the vines by our team. This work is also partly responsible for the Carraovejas character.
The wine was aged in barrels for around twelve months.
Review:
Freshly cut vanilla, dark cherries and ripe plums on the nose, with a touch of blue flowers. Medium to full body with firm, fine-grained tannins and a juicy, medium-long finish. Drink now or hold.
-James Suckling 92 Points