96 Points - Chris Sawyer "Sommelier to the Stars"
Recognized as one of the Napa Valley's most acclaimed winegrowing regions, Howell Mountain is famous for producing age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon with rich, deep color and excellent structure.
Food Pairings
Grilled Rib Eye Steak · Lamb Sliders · Roast duck with a cherry reduction · Roasted Eggplant · Cheddar cheese · Flourless chocolate cake
Vintage
Up until Labor Day 2022, the weather had been relatively benign. Abundant winter rains at the end of 2021 and the start of 2022 alleviated the three-year drought. Budbreak was early, occurring in mid to late March or early April for most Bordeaux varieties. In fact, May, June, July, and August 2022 were about as smooth sailing as grape growing gets. The heatwave that came in the fall with the up and down temperatures, led producers to decide when to harvest the grapes. Wineries that made quick picking decisions were rewarded with well-balanced wines. The end result for many were a brilliant series of stylish, well-structured Cabernet Sauvignon that are opulent and showy at first, becoming richer and more complex as flavors develop in the glass.
Howell Mountain
One of the first sub-appellation of the Napa Valley AVA, Howell Mountain rises well above the valley fog. While coastal fog blankets the valley floor, the mountain's weather remains sunny and cool, as it sits at higher elevations, starting at 1,400 feet and reaching 2,300 feet resulting in warmer nights and cooler days compared to the valley floor. Its higher elevation yields nearly twice the rainfall of the valley below, yet the rocky, porous volcanic soil drains well, resulting in drier conditions. Cooler spring temperatures delay bud break, while warm summer nights foster a harmonious balance of acidity and sugar in the fruit. This gradual growth process produces small, concentrated grapes that yield robust, complex yet well-balanced wines. A truly unique combination of factors producing a diverse range of complex flavors in your glass. Overall, the altitude and rocky, dry soil conditions create wines with firm structure, incredible varietal intensity, and excellent aging properties.
Limited Release
This vintage and commemorates the 28th year of the boutique Michael-Scott brand. This limited release is made with ultra-premium fruit grown in the winegrowing region of Howell Mountain in the Napa Valley.
Winemaker: Michael Quinn
Varietals: 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot
Appellation: Howell Mountain, Napa Valley
Vintage: 2022
Alcohol: 15.3%
Temperature Control Shipping
All Central, Midwest & Eastern orders ship via temp control truck.
Cabernet Sauvignon
92 Points
Rich, full-bodied with flavors of black currant, red plums, and cassis, followed by oak notes of cedar and vanilla and enticing oak spice. Dark flavors produce a lush and velvety textured of ripe black plums, dark cherries, cocoa and mint flavors fill the mouth that combine with supple tannins and leads to a long silky finish.
92 Points
Aromas of blackberry, dried fig, black cherry, blackberry coulis, toasted vanilla, and a hint of cigar box. The palate offers rich and velvety tannins, dark chocolate-covered cherries, black plum, mixed berry pie and toasted walnut. Long and expressive with loads of flavor.
94 Points
Aromas of cocoa mingle with notes of cassis, black cherry, blackberry coulis, graphite, toasted vanilla, and a hint of cedar. The palate is harmonious as the richness of barrel spice melds seamlessly with juicy plum, blackberry and licorice flavors. An incredibly polished texture, even at a young age. Long and expressive with loads of flavor.
94 Points
Deep garnet-purple in color and strides confidently out of the glass with notes of crushed blueberries, ripe blackberry, and warm cassis with hints of cherry, black olive, currant and a touch of black pepper.
94 Points
Blueberry, currant and sweet spice on the nose, with satiny layers of marionberry, and fresh macerated blackberries, surrounding a core of leather, tobacco leaf, sandalwood, and tobacco. Medium to full bodied, it's polished and creamy with nice weight on the mid palate.
Luxurious & Delicious...
Aromas of rich cherry, black currant, dark plums, with hints of lightly toasted vanilla, mint and crushed slate. The concentrated flavors further integrate with blackberries, tobacco, anise and earthiness with a balanced oak profile, layered palette, leaving you with its delightful finish.
94 Points, Wine Enthusiast
This opulent wine opens with aromas of blackberry, black plum, violets and spice on the nose. Flavors on the palate of dark cherry, sarsaparilla and orange zest wrap around dried tobacco leaf, malt chocolate and toasted vanilla, with a long, supple finish.
