Robert Foley Vineyards

Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

9.357 ratings
9.65 pro ratings
Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California, USA
Cabernet Sauvignon
Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Pasta, Venison, Tomato-Based, Potato, Pork, Chocolate & Caramel, White Rice, Mushrooms, Beef, Lamb, Chili & Hot Spicy
Top Notes For
Lyn Farmer

With 8 years of age this wine is vibrant and fresh with lots of primary fruit (cassis, black cherry, blackberry, violet, black plum, blueberry), very well integrated oak and just emerging tertiary notes of forest floor, leather, dried blackberry and fried red flowers. What’s particularly striking is the balance of fruit and velvet tannin with high acidity, giving the wine a laser-like ability to shine on the palate. Very long finish and gorgeous with food.

With 8 years of age this wine is vibrant and fresh with lots of primary fruit (cassis, black cherry, blackberry, violet, black plum, blueberry), very well integrated oak and just emerging tertiary notes of forest floor, leather, dried blackberry and fried red flowers. What’s particularly striking is the balance of fruit and velvet tannin with high acidity, giving the wine a laser-like ability to shine on the palate. Very long finish and gorgeous with food.

Dec 12th, 2022
Mike R
9.6

En Mag - this is my second time around and celebrated a deal closing - as in 2017 this wine delivered - amazingly it is getting better - this is from a single vineyard at 2000 feet on Howell - this is full bodied mid palette sweet tannins with a rich nose long legs black currant berries and and I think it is getting better - ten plus years left - dark purplish color - I LOVE It and made a nice splash last night

En Mag - this is my second time around and celebrated a deal closing - as in 2017 this wine delivered - amazingly it is getting better - this is from a single vineyard at 2000 feet on Howell - this is full bodied mid palette sweet tannins with a rich nose long legs black currant berries and and I think it is getting better - ten plus years left - dark purplish color - I LOVE It and made a nice splash last night

Oct 14th, 2020
Rob Brobst III

Wow I’ve never had this offering.

Wow I’ve never had this offering.

Aug 26th, 2019
Rick Wolfen

Give Bob Foley good grapes and he will make a great wine. Give him exceptional grapes and he will make a remarkable wine! The 2005 Howell Mountain is classic - big and bold, absolutely fruit driven, but with great structure and depth. This vintage is all too often forgotten between 2001, 2002 and 2007. That is unfortunate. 2004, 2005 and 2006 have some real gems - this is one of them, made by one of the best winemakers anywhere! Enjoy!!

Give Bob Foley good grapes and he will make a great wine. Give him exceptional grapes and he will make a remarkable wine! The 2005 Howell Mountain is classic - big and bold, absolutely fruit driven, but with great structure and depth. This vintage is all too often forgotten between 2001, 2002 and 2007. That is unfortunate. 2004, 2005 and 2006 have some real gems - this is one of them, made by one of the best winemakers anywhere! Enjoy!!

1 person found it helpfulApr 25th, 2016
Mike R
9.5

First off I am of simple mindedness / but focused - i try to drink three wines a night (white, then bord and then the BBB cabs) when I drink like my good friends in the WNH but sometimes it is only me and misses - now that is good on one way as I have more to delight my palette but upsetting in another way as I enjoy sharing the experience of wine with friends and family so much more

That said tonight I am trying to see if I start early enough and pair correctly with the food if we can experience the right tastes in a wine story setting

My story goes like this - once upon a time their was a man and wife who on a Friday night set a goal to enjoy the correct wines with their delicious homemade meal - the night has a delightful and surprising chard to start and after that we get down to business

What is business - a MAG of Robert Foley Howell MTN Cab - on the surface it is massive - in size and in color and in taste - but then the deep thoughts of this wine develops an inside story - the wine has such structure and complexity - the taste is lingering almost a full minute later - the experience is marvelous - the wine is inspiring me like the inspiration from a great movie - "Spartans! Ready your breakfast and eat hearty… For tonight, we dine in hell!”

Damn glad it is Friday - glad the herd exist and thank you my friends - glad I have this bad boy of a wine to enjoy - thinking about how I need to do this every night but wait then I would be spoiled - oh wait Rhonda said I already am - but I am not I tell you - I am just lustful for all the great wine I can drink

I finish by saying we will be smiling all night long (and drinking for a while since this is a MAG)

First off I am of simple mindedness / but focused - i try to drink three wines a night (white, then bord and then the BBB cabs) when I drink like my good friends in the WNH but sometimes it is only me and misses - now that is good on one way as I have more to delight my palette but upsetting in another way as I enjoy sharing the experience of wine with friends and family so much more

That said tonight I am trying to see if I start early enough and pair correctly with the food if we can experience the right tastes in a wine story setting

My story goes like this - once upon a time their was a man and wife who on a Friday night set a goal to enjoy the correct wines with their delicious homemade meal - the night has a delightful and surprising chard to start and after that we get down to business

What is business - a MAG of Robert Foley Howell MTN Cab - on the surface it is massive - in size and in color and in taste - but then the deep thoughts of this wine develops an inside story - the wine has such structure and complexity - the taste is lingering almost a full minute later - the experience is marvelous - the wine is inspiring me like the inspiration from a great movie - "Spartans! Ready your breakfast and eat hearty… For tonight, we dine in hell!”

Damn glad it is Friday - glad the herd exist and thank you my friends - glad I have this bad boy of a wine to enjoy - thinking about how I need to do this every night but wait then I would be spoiled - oh wait Rhonda said I already am - but I am not I tell you - I am just lustful for all the great wine I can drink

I finish by saying we will be smiling all night long (and drinking for a while since this is a MAG)

May 26th, 2017
A B
9.1

Loved it but too drunk to remember why.

Loved it but too drunk to remember why.

Jun 16th, 2019
Kim Stanbro

First time we tasted this one. First visit to Robert Foley (thanks, Truett!) so dark. Teeth staining.

First time we tasted this one. First visit to Robert Foley (thanks, Truett!) so dark. Teeth staining.

May 24th, 2018
Cody Short

From magnum. I usually don’t like my Cali cabs this big but after decanting all afternoon this was singing. Wore the weight very well and just a beautiful effort by Bob.

From magnum. I usually don’t like my Cali cabs this big but after decanting all afternoon this was singing. Wore the weight very well and just a beautiful effort by Bob.

Mar 18th, 2018
Luke Tubergen

Big wine. Awesome from start to finish!

Big wine. Awesome from start to finish!

Feb 1st, 2017
Rhonely Boy

Deep plum, black currant, blackberry.... excellent deep ripe flavor profile, delicious. 15.1% abv. is acceptable, though pushing the limit.

Deep plum, black currant, blackberry.... excellent deep ripe flavor profile, delicious. 15.1% abv. is acceptable, though pushing the limit.

Jan 17th, 2017