Wine Industry Report

Grapes grown by Snows Lake Vineyard in Red Hills Lake County have been featured in new releases by two of the Napa Valley‚s most prestigious wineries: Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars and Cakebread Cellars. The wines are among the most expensive ever produced from Lake County grapes.

“The commitment we have to growing the highest quality fruit has made Snows Lake Vineyard an important resource for many wineries and a leading vineyard in Lake County,” said Snows Lake vineyard manager John Adriance.

The 2004 Cakebread Zinfandel Red Hills Lake County is Cakebread Cellars‚ first Zinfandel since 1994. The fruit comes from Snows Lake Vineyard in the increasingly celebrated Red Hills appellation of Lake County (about an hour northeast of Napa), which was planted to three special clones of Zinfandel, including Primitivo and heritage clones from Amador and Mendocino Counties. With an elevation over 2,100 feet, a perfect southwestern exposure, and magnificent rocky red volcanic soils, it is a perfect site for Zinfandel, which further benefits from the vineyard’s warm, sunny days and cooling afternoon and evening breezes from nearby Clear Lake. The wine sells for $38.

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars has released the 2003 Hawk Crest Cabernet Sauvignon Red Hills Lake County. The Winiarski family has produced Hawk Crest wines since 1974 and over the years has carefully selected specific vineyards in some of California’s most promising growing areas. Snows Lake Vineyard, the primary source for this blend, sits at the northeastern edge of the renowned Mayacamas Mountain Range that runs through Napa Valley and into Lake County. This high elevation vineyard, with red gravelly loam soil and rolling volcanic terrain, is particularly suited for growing superior Cabernet Sauvignon and produces compact clusters with small berries, well-structured tannins, and rich fruit flavors. Suggested retail price is $28.