Winemaker Notes
Switchback Ridge wines are sourced exclusively from the Peterson Family Vineyard in Calistoga. The property has been in the Peterson family since 1914 and encompasses nearly 100 acres at the mouth of Dutch Henry Canyon, which is located at the northeastern end of the Napa Valley. The rich, rocky soils of this beautiful vineyard site consistently produce low yields of intensely flavored fruit, resulting in extremely concentrated, fruit-driven wines that are the hallmark of Switchback Ridge. Winemaker Bob Foley is the talent behind Switchback Ridge. He has been making wine in the Napa Valley for over 40 years and has been crafting the Switchback Ridge wines since the first vintage in 1999.
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.