Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California, USA
A dark purple that’s deep and penetrating with traces of ruby and just a touch of bricking. Knocking on seventeen years, much of the fruit on the nose has faded but there’s still some blackberries present along with oak and plenty of smoke. I would not have guessed 15.1 because so much of the alcohol has blown off over time leaving a more balanced and well integrated Napa Cab. And it’s just plain interesting. Not just another standard Cab, there’s some depth here. There’s a fun earthiness happening here and a rich mouthfeel. Underbrush, white pepper, and more oak primarily on the palate. Dark fruits comes to play for just a bit. Not what I was expecting at all. Quite the nice surprise.
A dark purple that’s deep and penetrating with traces of ruby and just a touch of bricking. Knocking on seventeen years, much of the fruit on the nose has faded but there’s still some blackberries present along with oak and plenty of smoke. I would not have guessed 15.1 because so much of the alcohol has blown off over time leaving a more balanced and well integrated Napa Cab. And it’s just plain interesting. Not just another standard Cab, there’s some depth here. There’s a fun earthiness happening here and a rich mouthfeel. Underbrush, white pepper, and more oak primarily on the palate. Dark fruits comes to play for just a bit. Not what I was expecting at all. Quite the nice surprise.
Aug 10th, 2019
