Winemaker Notes
This Cabernet Sauvignon expresses captivating aromas of mocha, ripe berries, violets, and blackcurrant with intertwining layers of subtle black pepper, toasted oak and rich vanilla. This beautifully crafted Cabernet Sauvignon enters the palate with layers of ripe blackberry and chocolate covered cherries. The round and luscious mouthfeel is accented by soft tannins and a hint of spice that weaves into a smooth, lingering finish.
Pair with hearty, delectable dishes such as grilled ribeye steak, mushroom pizza or blue cheeseburgers.
Professional Ratings
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Wine & Spirits
Yes, it is pruney, but it is also very Howell Mountain–volcanic, with powerful, gripping tannins, akin to a lean, yet muscular build. As fl oral as mountain grown zinfandel, this wine lingers long on its blue-black fruit. The way its plum-skin and volcanic-ash tannins interact is fascinating.
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Wine Spectator
A nice, mouthfilling version, featuring juicy plum and blackberry compote notes and hints of sage, singed tobacco and cedar, with everything knitting nicely through the finish. Drink now.
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James Suckling
Aromas of mulberries, dried herbs, dark chocolate and cloves. Full-bodied with plush tannins. Rich and fruity with a creamy texture and a peppery finish. Drink from 2022.
Covering the most vine acreage in the state compared to any other red wine variety, Cabernet Sauvignon produces as much wine in California as Merlot and Pinot Noir combined. The state’s diverse terrain and microclimates, as well as the freedom of its winemakers, allow for an incredible range of wine styles from this single grape.
California’s most famous region—and especially for Cabernet Sauvignon—is the acclaimed Napa Valley. While Cabernet is successful throughout the world, rarely has it achieved such merit as it does from the Napa Valley. At this point the two are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other.
Napa’s closest neighbor, Sonoma County, does an impressive job keeping up with Napa’s fame and glory. Alexander Valley, Sonoma Mountain, Moon Mountain and Knights Valley contribute to the lot of some of California’s top-rated Cabernet Sauvignon.
Lake County in California’s North Coast has become a focus for some of Napa’s more respected growers. From the Central Coast come iconic examples of classic California Cabernet; Lodi and the Sierra Foothills are great budget-friendly sources of amicable Cabernets.