We started a New Year, and that always means some changes. After 2 decades there is change at the winemaking helm, longtime winemaker Robert Foley has stepped aside to focus 100% on his own label, and ace-winemaker Mike Smith has taken over, and it is only getting better at Switchback Ridge. The 2019 vintage is a dream vintage, sadly a low yielding one, so I suggest to jump on this ASAP, especially since there will be no 2020 vintage to follow this one!
Switchback Ridge 2019 Cabernet Estate
Peterson Family Vineyard
GGWC 109.99
FREE SHIPPING on 6
Use code SWITCHBACK during checkout (OK to mix & match with other Switchback wines)
This beautifully balanced 100% Cabernet Sauvignon draws you in with a bouquet of fresh blackberries, plum, boysenberry, espresso, and just a touch of eucalyptus. The bold and lush palate leads into soft vanilla and coffee beans accompanied by dark mocha, blackberry, and subtle notes of leather that settle in with hibiscus and sandalwood on the finish. The structure is powerful yet elegant, allowing the ripe fruit textures to shine through. Enjoy this for the next 20+ years!
Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points: “Slightly more expensive, yet still a remarkable value, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Peterson Family Vineyard is all Cabernet Sauvignon (mostly Clone 7) that was raised in 80% new French oak. Black currants, tobacco leaf, incense, and graphite define the bouquet, and it’s full-bodied on the palate, with a rich, concentrated yet elegant style that keeps you coming back to the glass. Drink this hedonistic, rich, flat-out satisfying Cabernet Sauvignon over the coming 10-15 years.”
Switchback Ridge 2019 Merlot Estate
Peterson Family Vineyard
GGWC 67.99
FREE SHIPPING on 12
Use code SWITCHBACK during checkout (OK to mix & match with other Switchback wines)
The 2019 vintage is a blend of 91% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon all sourced from the Switchback Ridge Estate Peterson vineyard. The wine offers aromas of dark chocolate, covered blackberries, red cherry and plum exude from the glass with hints of vanilla bean and hibiscus spice. These rich and dark chocolate flavors continue on the palate and intermingle with nuances of espresso, tea leaves and subtle raspberry notes. The powerful, full-bodied Merlot will age beautifully over the next decade!
Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points: “A stunning value, the 2019 Merlot Peterson Family Vineyard offers a round, layered, incredibly sexy and seamless style to go with classic Merlot ripe black cherries, pipe tobacco, chocolate, and roasted herb-like aromas and flavors. There’s 9% Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, and it was raised in 75% new French oak. I’d be thrilled to drink a glass any time over the coming 10-15 years.”
Switchback Ridge 2019 Petite Sirah Estate
Peterson Vineyard
GGWC 69.99
FREE SHIPPING on 12
Use code SWITCHBACK during checkout (OK to mix & match with other Switchback wines)
This might be the BEST Petite Sirah to come from the Napa Valley in decades. The wine offers up a very dark blue/purple color, almost crude oil-like. On the nose you’ll encounter gorgeous aromas of black stone fruit, dark chocolate, espresso bean and a hint of minerality. On the palate this lush, full-bodied gem offers bright, bold yet extremely well-balanced fruit. Very opulent, yet extremely well-refined, this youngster can be enjoyed now, but will be able to cellar for a good 10-15 years. LIMITED PRODUCTION!
Winemaker Notes: “This 100% Petite Sirah is a blend of 81% New Block (planted in 1995) and 19% Old Vine (planted in 1956). This inky, dark purple powerhouse completely coats the glass and captures the senses with aromas of spiced blueberry, baked plum and just a hint of white pepper. The entire mouth is drawn into the immense tannin which eventually softens giving way to notes of sweet molasses, ripple plums and dark cherries. Pleasant spicy cigar box and graphite-like notes grace the finish and intermix with the residual blueberry pie sweetness. A massive wine with incredible concentration and depth of flavor to be enjoyed for decades.”
Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points: “Coming from a single block of vineyard planted in 1956, the 2019 Petite Sirah Peterson Family Vineyard is a big beast of a wine revealing a dense purple color, a massive core of black and blue fruits, full-bodied richness, ripe tannins, and remarkable complexity in its flowery incense, violets, orange blossom, and spicy aromas and flavors. It should keep for a decade”
Click here or on the links above to order!
Call 415-337-4083 or email frank@goldengatewinecellars.com for availability and priority allocation