2012 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is gorgeous. An unusually open, resonant, young Howell Mountain Cabernet, the Estate dazzles with its rich, textured fruit and incredibly welcoming personality. Hints of smoke, tar, licorice and menthol add complexity to the intense fruit. This is a wine I want to drink, not merely taste. All the elements come together in an effortless, inviting wine loaded with class.

The stunning, dark ruby/purple-tinged 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate boasts beautiful mulberry, blueberry and black raspberry fruit notes, a pure, full-bodied style, sweet tannin, adequate acidity and an opulent, lush mouthfeel. This offering is atypical for a Howell Mountain cuvée, which tends to be more foreboding in its youthfulness. Drink this beauty over the next 15+ years.

(with 7% merlot): Bright ruby-red. Very primary, inky aromas of cassis, licorice pastille and menthol. Supple and creamy if a bit youthfully stunted, with slowly emerging flavors of black cherry, licorice and dark chocolate. Finishes with building tannins and a note of blackberry liqueur. Will this wine develop more grip during its final months in barrel? Note that this wine was previously bottled simply as Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain; as of vintage '12, the old Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Howell Mountain will become Reserve.