Review: Wines of Priest Ranch, 2026 Releases
Priest Ranch dates its origins to 1869 when it was established by James Joshua Priest, a Gold Rush prospector, but the start of its current operation more properly dates to 2004, when the grounds were consolidated with the Elder Valley properties to become the Somerston Estate. The estate includes 224 acres of vineyards across 15 areas in the Vaca Mountains of the eastern Napa Valley.
The Priest Ranch line of wines includes a number of reds, but today we are getting ready for summer by trying two whites and a rosé. The weather has turned warmer, and we are ready to get into the spirit with wines made for summer sipping.
2024 Priest Ranch Sauvignon Blanc – Lots of citrus on the nose here, including bright lemon and grapefruit as well as pineapple, Granny Smith apple, floral notes, and, unexpectedly, some light breadiness. It turns out that though the wine does not spend any time in wood, it is rested on the lees for an undisclosed amount of time. The palate shows lemon drop candy, but more fruity than sweet. There is also grapefruit and some minerality adding complexity. The acidity is medium-high and though it can be enjoyed on its own, this wine will be at its best coupled with food. With summer coming, I would pair it with a salad made with grilled shrimp. A- / $30
2024 Priest Ranch Rosé – 100% Syrah. This one is a crowd pleaser. The nose is all strawberries and cream with rose petals on top. The palate is almost identical. A creamy mouthfeel accompanies juicy strawberries and a floral character. The acidity is light to medium, which makes it a perfect wine to drink on its own, but it will pair nicely with light summer fare such as grilled vegetables or fish. This isn’t a complex wine, but it is delightful, and I would love to sip a cold glass in the sun while sitting by a pool. B+ / $28
2024 Priest Ranch Grenache Blanc – 100% Grenache Blanc. On the nose, bright aromas of peach and lemon join floral perfume and flinty minerality. The palate opens with a burst of peach and Granny Smith apple that appears with medium-to-high acidity. Midpalate brings the floral and flint notes that are visible on the nose. But then, the flavors just disappear into a surprisingly short finish. The finish aside, I expect the strong floral notes in this wine will appeal to some and not to others. I found them to be a touch too strong, but I expect it will be precisely why others enjoy it. B / $30
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