Snowden Vineyards 'Brothers Vineyard' Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 1.5L

Product Info

93pts Vinous Media
The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Brothers Vineyard is the deepest and most complete of the three Cabernets at Snowden in 2022. Dark cherry fruit, leather, mocha, cedar and sweet spice all build in the glass, filling out the layers effortlessly. Here, too, the balance is commendable, especially considering what was possible in 2022. - By Antonio Galloni on November 2025

92pts Wine Advocate
The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Brothers Vineyard, Snowden's version of a big Cab, is from a special two-acre block of the vineyard and was aged 18 months in 30% new French oak. Despite the menthol and cedar notes, some delicate tea-like nuances still come through, alongside mixed red and black cherries. It's full-bodied, moderately concentrated, juicy and fresh, with some fine-grained tannins framing the finish. Published: Feb 27, 2025 Reviewed by: Joe Czerwinski

Terroir
The Brothers Vineyard is a steep, high-elevation parcel perched on the eastern slopes of Napa Valley, overlooking the Silverado Trail. Planted in rocky, well-draining volcanic and loamy soils, the site naturally limits vigor, yielding small berries with concentrated flavor and firm tannic structure.

Its elevation provides cooler evening temperatures and steady hillside breezes, extending the growing season and preserving acidity. The combination of abundant sunlight and diurnal shift produces Cabernet Sauvignon of depth and clarity, balancing ripe dark fruit with structural tension.

The 2022 vintage in Napa Valley was marked by a warm, dry season with periods of elevated heat balanced by cool nights. Careful vineyard management ensured even ripening and phenolic maturity. The result is a wine of density and power, yet with precision and freshness that reflect the Brothers Vineyard’s hillside origin.

Winemaking & Technical Notes
Fruit was hand-harvested and meticulously sorted to ensure only optimal clusters entered fermentation. Small-lot vinification in temperature-controlled tanks allowed for tailored extraction, preserving aromatics while building structure. Gentle pump-overs and extended maceration enhanced depth of color and tannin integration.

The wine was aged in French oak barrels, including a significant portion of new oak to support its concentrated profile. Barrel maturation imparts subtle notes of cedar, vanilla, and baking spice while allowing the vineyard’s mineral and savory characteristics to remain prominent.

Extended élevage prior to bottling refines texture and harmonizes the wine’s natural power.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2022 reveals a deep, inky ruby hue. Aromas are intense and layered—blackcurrant, blackberry compote, and dark cherry are interwoven with graphite, crushed stone, and hints of violet. As it opens, notes of espresso, cocoa nib, and toasted cedar emerge.

On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and structured. Concentrated flavors of cassis and plum are supported by firm, fine-grained tannins characteristic of hillside Cabernet. A vibrant core of acidity provides lift, ensuring balance despite the wine’s depth. Subtle undertones of tobacco leaf and savory herbs add complexity.

The finish is long and commanding, with lingering dark fruit, mineral tension, and integrated oak spice.

Food Pairing & Service
Serve at 60–65°F and decant for at least 60–90 minutes to allow the wine to fully express its aromatic depth. Ideal pairings include grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, or herb-crusted lamb. The wine’s structure also complements aged cheeses and dishes featuring earthy components such as wild mushrooms or truffle.

Its intensity makes it particularly suited to richly flavored cuisine where bold flavors can stand alongside its power.

Cellaring & Longevity
The 2022 Brothers Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is built for long-term aging. While approachable with extended aeration, its firm tannic backbone and concentrated fruit suggest significant cellaring potential.

Expect primary black fruit to evolve into notes of dried fig, leather, cedar chest, and savory earth over time. Optimal drinking is anticipated between 2028 and 2042, with the potential to age gracefully for 15–20 years under proper cellar conditions. As it matures, the wine’s structural elements will soften, revealing greater nuance and layered complexity—hallmarks of Snowden’s hillside Cabernet.