2008 Notre Vin Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain

The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon is showing beautifully right now. It is the first wine in this tasting that shows some of the real complexity of Howell Mountain. Licorice, menthol, tar and pencil shavings are some of the many notes that jump from the glass. The 2008 is a gorgeous, complete wine, but it is still too young. In another few years, the 2008 should be entering its early maturity. Firm tannins frame the powerful, incisive finish. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2028. Denis Malbec and his wife May-Britt are probably best known to readers for the wines they work on in their consulting practice – most notably Blankiet and Kapcsandy – but they also make a number of wines under their own labels. Notre Vin is their Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon project. The wines typically take a few years to blossom, but when they do they are often striking. The Malbecs exude a combination of passion, enthusiasm, humility and the desire to constantly keep learning that is rare in the wine world. Although these wines are beautiful, readers are best off cellaring them for at least a few years. Tel. (707) 295-0038

Full medium ruby. High-toned aromas of raspberry, mint, flowers and licorice. Then supple, suave and pliant in the mouth, with sexy soil tones and good herbal lift. At once plush and restrained, in a rather Old World style. Finishes broad and suave, with smooth tannins and very good length.