Howell Mountain, Napa Valley

Dunn Vineyards

Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Opened several hours prior and decanted off sediment and a portion of the cork that had broke and crumbled before returning to the bottle. The 2007 “Howell Mountain” pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core and very slight rim variation. On the nose, the wine is developing with gorgeous notes of dark fruit: black currants, blackberries, tobacco, leather, earth and gentle spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and savory. This is firing on all cylinders right now and the structure suggests the power of the 2007 vintage is not slowing down anytime soon. Drink now with a decant and through 2037 with ease. — 17 days ago

Tom, Ming and 11 others liked this
David T

David T Influencer Badge

One of the very best Howell Mtn. producers.

Joseph Phelps Vineyards

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Probably one of my favorite Cabernets. Berry flavors but not sweet. Beautifully balanced, medium tannins. — 9 days ago

Bob, Rob and 3 others liked this

Darioush

Signature Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, deep dark ruby red, aged for 21 months in French oak (75% new), aromas of ripe fruit, sweet spices and herbs. The palate shows blackberry, juicy black cherries and currants, big, full tannins, complex and well balanced. Complex with notes of leather, tobacco, cacao, espresso and earthy character on a long finish. Very Nice. — 19 days ago

Juan, Tom and 2 others liked this

Philip Togni Vineyard

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Timothy Eustis
9.3

Old school. Balanced tannins and fruit. Really great. — 4 days ago

Tom, Lyle and 2 others liked this

Heitz Cellar

Martha's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 1978

A dark sweaty and intense front end. Profound and intense fruit with tobacco and iodine Really good. — 4 days ago

Jonathan DavidsonPaul WoollsAra Aslanian
with Jonathan, Paul and 1 other
Ron, Juan and 10 others liked this

Beaulieu Vineyard

Private Reserve Georges de Latour Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

A good, solid California Cab but what’s all the fuss about? I’m seeing ratings of 98, 99, even 100 from JS. Really? No way. This is a clear case of praise crossing over into hype. Granted, still a bit young and not at its peak but after five years in the bottle and an hour of decanting it needs to be more than just fine if it wants to justify stratospheric scores. This wine compares unfavorably to Ridge Monte Bello, Stags Leap S.L.V. and other peers. It lacked sophistication and poise—where’s the promised minerality, graphite, cedar shavings, oak, leather, blackcurrant, cherry, and complex balance of fine grained tannins, fruit, acid and alcohol? Where? We chose this wine for a birthday dinner at Lawry’s Prime Rib in Beverly Hills. Not a disaster but a disappointment given our high expectations (and the high price).
— 8 days ago

Ira liked this

Opus One

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2001

The 2001 Opus One is a masterful blend that truly embodies the elegance and structure of Napa Valley wines. The deep ruby color is immediately captivating, and the nose opens with rich aromas of black currant, dark cherries, and subtle hints of tobacco and cedar. On the palate, it delivers an impeccably balanced experience, with layers of ripe blackberry, plum, and a touch of dark chocolate, all interwoven with earthy undertones and a refined minerality. — 9 days ago

Michael Cammarata
with Michael
Bob, Rob and 6 others liked this

Stags' Leap Winery

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Always reliable vintage after vintage. Bright and a bit constrained. No fruit bomb. — 2 days ago

Daniel, Martijn and 5 others liked this

Faust

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Really nice fruit, well balanced, food friendly, just expensive. — 4 days ago

LM, Tom and 4 others liked this

Chateau Montelena

The Montelena Estate Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

It is time for my #FridayCabernetfix.

Dark ruby in color with a reddish rim.

Medium plus in body with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate with nice complexity.

Showing black and red fruits with tobacco, chocolates, coffee, cola, cedar, leather, vanilla, spices, earth and peppercorn.

Long finish with fine grained tannins and tangy raspberries.

This is a delicious Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley. Complex, spicy and tangy. Rich and elegant.

Showing a great mouthfeel with good balance.

Needs 90 minutes of airtime to open up properly, so be patient.

I've had a few vintages of this wine, and it is very consistent, although not as good as their Estate Cabernet.

Will continue to age nicely in the next 15 years.

A nice sipping wine, good by itself or with food.

14.1% alcohol by volume.

92 points.

$150.
— 18 days ago

Lyle, Anthony and 16 others liked this