Cornerstone Cellars Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2003

This is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Ink Grade Vineyard. The imprint of Howell Mountain clearly identifies this wine: intense fruit tempered with savory herbal notes, rich tannins, good acid for aging, and many layers of complexity. Fresh raspberries lead in the nose followed by mocha/chocolate, a subtle nuance of pine needles, mint and herb tea, with an undercurrent of vanilla rounding out the aromas. The entry starts big and blooms with a very rich and full mid-palate. The finish is strong cocoa and caramel with a little more "grip" than the Napa Valley bottling.