Priest Ranch wines are grown and made at the Somerston Estate in the Eastern Hills of Napa Valley. The eastern part of the Somerston property was originally settled by Joshua James Priest who arrived in California in 1849. Priest gained title to 638 acres of the Catacula land grant in Soda Valley and he and his descendants managed to hold on to most of the ranch for over a century. The historic Priest Ranch is now part of the Somerston Estate, a significant property totaling 1,615 acres, with 222 acres planted to hillside vineyards. Dramatic elevations of the vineyards define and distinguish the estate, ranging from 800 ft to 2,400 ft above sea level. Today, all the Priest Ranch wines are 100% Estate Grown and made from selected vineyard blocks that express integrated and intensely rich, yet approachable qualities.

The 2019 Snake Oil Cabernet Sauvignon is a beautiful purple color with dark garnet edges. This is one of those special wines that reveals more with every swirl and each taste. It is so interesting and well-made that kept me captivated. The aromas are deep and complex with blackberry, ripe blueberry, earthy in character with notes of loamy soil, graphite and stone, fresh brewed coffee, and a whiff of eucalyptus. The full-bodied palate has a juicy core of fruit, with muscular tannins that are polished and refined. The lively acidity gives the wine lift as the flavors pop in and out through the palate. Fascinating! The finish is long and has a subtle lovely, perfumed accent. The 2019 Priest Ranch Snake Oil is an exceptional wine that will drink in its youth with decanting prior to serving or keep in your cellar for 15+ years.

By Perry Miroballi