Cimarossa
Foglet Howell Mountain Nebbiolo
Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California, USA
Presented double-blind, the wine shows a ruby color with some rim variation. A transparent core with almost no staining of the tears; medium+ viscosity. No signs of particles or gas. On the nose, the wine is vinous. Notes of ripe red fruits: Red brambles and cherries. Some dried green herbs, dried rocky earth, and a little bit of horse blanket. There’s also some leather, and some of the fruit comes across a mix of dried and desiccated. Hmmm…quite charming. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium Acid. Alcohol is high. Confirming the fruit and non-fruit characteristics. The finish is long. To me, this comes across Southern Rhône like a Châteauneuf-du-Pape from a warm vintage with 10 to 15 years of age. So I called 2007. I’ll be damned. Never in a million years would I have guessed Nebbiolo from Howell Mountain, lol! While I don’t like this for Nebbiolo, there are a lot of aspects I like about the wine. Drink now.
Presented double-blind, the wine shows a ruby color with some rim variation. A transparent core with almost no staining of the tears; medium+ viscosity. No signs of particles or gas. On the nose, the wine is vinous. Notes of ripe red fruits: Red brambles and cherries. Some dried green herbs, dried rocky earth, and a little bit of horse blanket. There’s also some leather, and some of the fruit comes across a mix of dried and desiccated. Hmmm…quite charming. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium Acid. Alcohol is high. Confirming the fruit and non-fruit characteristics. The finish is long. To me, this comes across Southern Rhône like a Châteauneuf-du-Pape from a warm vintage with 10 to 15 years of age. So I called 2007. I’ll be damned. Never in a million years would I have guessed Nebbiolo from Howell Mountain, lol! While I don’t like this for Nebbiolo, there are a lot of aspects I like about the wine. Drink now.
Jun 22nd, 2023
True to varietal, which is amazing in Napa, with a lighter medium body, savory, dry tannins and leather. Dried cherries and currants. Tobacco. 2012, but needs another 15, just like a good Nebbiolo should. Also, needs time to open up to reveal complexity.
True to varietal, which is amazing in Napa, with a lighter medium body, savory, dry tannins and leather. Dried cherries and currants. Tobacco. 2012, but needs another 15, just like a good Nebbiolo should. Also, needs time to open up to reveal complexity.
Dec 19th, 2019
Moving some wine around while taking inventory and Mark shows up and pulls out his typical “who the hell knew this wine existed?” bottle. Cimarossa is a favorite around here and so we decided to give his a whirl. This may very well age past their own Howell Mtn cabs. 11yrs old and it tastes almost a couple years old. Barnyard funk on the nose. Big acidity up front, but the mid palate and finish are a rush of rhubarb tart, bing cherries, bark, and dirt covered raspberries. A baby.
Moving some wine around while taking inventory and Mark shows up and pulls out his typical “who the hell knew this wine existed?” bottle. Cimarossa is a favorite around here and so we decided to give his a whirl. This may very well age past their own Howell Mtn cabs. 11yrs old and it tastes almost a couple years old. Barnyard funk on the nose. Big acidity up front, but the mid palate and finish are a rush of rhubarb tart, bing cherries, bark, and dirt covered raspberries. A baby.
Nov 22nd, 2017
Wow. Has a long life ahead. Rich, no elbows, pretty floral nose
Wow. Has a long life ahead. Rich, no elbows, pretty floral nose
Jan 30th, 2016
The best Nebbiolo I have tasted made outside of the Piedmonte region, in fact it's better than some Langhe Nebbiolo and some low end Barolo. Can easily compete with mid range Barolo. A fragrant nose and palate of rose petals, flowers, red berries, licorice and some tar. Fine, yet firm Barolo like tannins. Good acidity and a fantastic finish. Great name to boot if you know the origin of the name Nebbiolo.
The best Nebbiolo I have tasted made outside of the Piedmonte region, in fact it's better than some Langhe Nebbiolo and some low end Barolo. Can easily compete with mid range Barolo. A fragrant nose and palate of rose petals, flowers, red berries, licorice and some tar. Fine, yet firm Barolo like tannins. Good acidity and a fantastic finish. Great name to boot if you know the origin of the name Nebbiolo.
Dec 8th, 2014Still the best domestic USA Nebbiolo
Still the best domestic USA Nebbiolo
Oct 12th, 2013Enjoyed over 4 days! At a great place now.
Enjoyed over 4 days! At a great place now.
Jun 4th, 2023Deep meaty red. Long life still ahead.
Deep meaty red. Long life still ahead.
May 28th, 2023Amazing over 3 days. Red fruits and blueberries, blackberry with integrated tannins. Med long finish.
Amazing over 3 days. Red fruits and blueberries, blackberry with integrated tannins. Med long finish.
May 3rd, 2023