Currents of lavender, cedar and rich plum run through the bouquet. On the palate, energy abounds, and tannins are ripe, round, and lovely, providing the scaffolding for copious black berry, dark plum and cassis flavors which are ultimately finely structured with depth, density and length.
Blend: 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec, 2% Petite Verdot
97 Vinous The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon (Howell Mountain) is another stellar wine from Robert Craig. Bright and incisive, with tons of energy, the Howell Mountain Cabernet delivers the goods, big time. A rush of inky red/purplish fruit, rose petal, lavender, menthol, spice and crushed rocks build into a crescendo of aromas and flavors that dazzles. This deep, vivid Cabernet hits all the right notes. Superb. Drinking window: 2027 - 2039
96 Decanter From a 0.44ha vineyard of well-draining alluvial soils. Aged in 100% new French oak for 21 months, bottled unfined and unfiltered. Richly scented with dark fruit, loamy soil, vivid violet and rose petal notes and coffee beans. Decadent mountain blueberry and mulberry fruit, with mineral underpinnings and chocolaty tannins that are firm, long and muscular. Nicely integrated with pops of wild herbs on the finish. A deliciously pleasing wine. Just six barrels produced. Drinking window: 2022 - 2042
94 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate A blend of two vineyard sites, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is an assemblage of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot. Matured 18 month in French oak, it's cedary, but those shadings are balanced by attractive sage nuances set against a backdrop of ripe blueberries and cherries. Full-bodied, rich, velvety and long, it's the real deal. Best After 2024. Rating: 94+
