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Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain, 2007
Since our founding in 1978, we have proudly produced appellation Cabernets that showcase the unique character of those regions and our estate vineyards within them. It was eleven years ago that we were able to add the Howell Mountain AVA to the list of our estate vineyards but the Results have been worth the wait.
Vineyards
Our Los Posadas vineyard is only nine acres but features the best south-east facing aspect and the rocky, well-drained volcanic soils that force a vine to dig deep for water and nutrients, producing smaller, intensely-flavored berries as a result. Despite strong afternoon sun, the climate tends to be cooler because of altitude, maintaining acidity throughout ripening.
Harvest & Winemaking
The 2007 vintage had a lot of ups and downs, with an early, cool start and several heat waves throughout the growing season. The result was smaller bunches of small, intensely flavored berries harvested on October 13, 2007. This wine was sorted with an intensive process of cluster selection then berry selection before going into tank. Extended maceration on the skins lasted almost a month, creating a rich mouthfeel. The wines were transferred to 40% new French oak barrels where they aged for 14 months before being bottled in April 2009.
Tasting Notes
The 2007 Howell Mountain Cabernet displays the extraction typical of the vintage in its opaque ruby hue and heavily tinted legs. The nose in equally intense, featuring lush blackberry and blueberry fruit with captivating hints of earthy spice, sweet vanilla and cedar box aromas. The palate is subtle and elegant with silky tannins supporting pretty notes of red cherry and apple that meld into dried cherry and rose petals over the persistent finish.
Pairing
Deeply fruited and classically graceful, this wine is perfect as a foil to long-simmered braises like lamb shanks or short ribs in its youth. Those with the patience to let it rest in the cellar for three to five years will be rewarded with everincreasing nuance that will shine against seared chops and hard, aged cheeses.
- SRP
- $90
- buy
- Varietal
- 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Malbec, 2% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot
- Appellation
- Napa Valley
- Alcohol
- 14.7%
- Released
- August 2010
- Aging Potential
- 10 TO 15 YEARS