93 Points, Wine Spectator
92 Points, James Suckling
Howell Mountain develops an intensity and concentration of fruit unlike its other Napa counterparts. Beautiful now and will age gracefully for another 10-15 years... that is if you can wait that long.
VINEYARDS
Candlestick Ridge Vineyard on Howell Mountain is situated at 1400 feet, planted to a combination of decomposed volcanic ash and red clay. While it receives twice as much rain as the valley floor, the soil remains dry to its porous composition. Notable vineyards that work with the fruit include Vineyard 36, Robert Craig, and Duckhorn Vineyards.
WINEMAKING NOTES
Fermented in small 4-6 ton open top fermenters, with thrice daily pump overs for cap management. Upon finishing fermentation the wine is allowed to rest on its skins for up to a month. Aged in 55% new French oak for 18 months.
VINTAGE
From start to finish, 2018 was a very steady season, offering weather that was reminiscent of years prior to drought. Higher than average yields and excellent quality brought about a fruitful harvest beginning in late August.
Consulting Winemaker: Keith Emerson
Vintage: 2018
Varietal Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Howell Mountain, Napa Valley
Aging: Aged in 55% new French oak for 18 months.
Brix: 25.1
pH: 3.75
TA: 0.56 g/100ml
Alcohol: 14.5%
95 Points
Entices with aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry, and cedar spice. Indicative of the cool vintage, the wine carries a freshness throughout. The palate offers a harmonious balance between bright red fruit, spice, and nicely woven tannins.
93 Points
Aromas of blackcurrant, dark plum, and cedar unfold alongside soft notes of vanilla and toasted oak. On the palate, structured tannins frame layers of black cherry, baking spice, and a subtle herbal lift from the Merlot blended beneath the Cabernet's backbone. Medium-bodied gem with good concentration finishing long and warm, with lingering impressions of cocoa and dried fig.
94 Points
Decadent, rich, and supple. Aromas of black cherry, dark chocolate, crushed stone, dried herbs, and cedar lead into layered notes of cassis, fennel, baked plums, mocha powder, and cigars dusted with roasted Herbs de Provence, earth and red volcanic mineral notes. Full-bodied and rich, with a firm spine of racy acidity and ultra-fine, gravelly tannins that carry the lasting, mouthwatering finish.
94 Point Vintage
Deep garnet core with an elegant ruby-brick rim—a striking sign of its library maturity. Aromas of black cherry, cassis, and macerated blackberry, seamlessly transitioning into sophisticated layers of cedar, graphite, crushed violet, and cured tobacco. A savory accent of bay laurel, cocoa nib, and warm earth adds impressive intrigue. The palate delivers dense dark fruit framed by velvety, melted tannins and vibrant acidity that keeps the wine lifted and fresh. Finishes long and seamlessly, lingering with espresso, black plum, aged leather, and a fine crushed-stone minerality.
Exceptional
In the glass this wine open with aromas of ripe black cherry, bark, cedar, dried orange peel, a touch of black pepper. The palate equally rich with flavors expanding into notes of fresh picked cherry, chocolate, and crushed stone and a touch of white pepper. Together, these lavish flavors, coupled with an elegant mouthfeel and a long engaging finish make a fantastic wine.
96 Points
Aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry liqueur, and purple flowers drive the nose of this energetic Syrah which is co-fermented with a whisper of Viognier. Gracing the palate are dark berries, plum, blackberries, peppercorns, hints of sweet tobacco, and well-positioned oak spice with plush acid and rich tannin peaking through the finish.
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