Howell Mountain rises above Napa Valley’s fog line, with vineyards commonly planted between 1,400 and 2,500 feet in elevation. At this altitude, vines receive continuous sunlight with cooler temperatures and volcanic soils that force the grapes to ripen slowly. The resulting berries are smaller, thicker skinned and intensely concentrated. Cabernet Sauvignon grown on Howell Mountain has developed a reputation of the most age-worthy wines from Napa Valley. These Cabernets are defined less by immediate opulence and more by structure.

This wine is composed of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc aged for 24 months with a total of 18 months in New French Oak barrels. In the glass, this Cabernet shows a dense garnet core with flashes of violet on the rim. Aromatically, it reveals purple violets with sweet toasted oak. Within are layers of cassis, black plum preserves and wild blackberry woven with graphite, tobacco leaf and volcanic earth. With air, darker nuances emerge—espresso bean, cedar, dried sage and bittersweet chocolate which are traits associated with Howell Mountain fruit. Supple mountain tannins frame this wine along with a glorious finish making this Cabernet accessible from the outset, yet it is certain to evolve with more bottle age.

By W Peter Hoyne