That Highlands Howell is all sold out, sorry, like TONS of it just vanished!

Few things in life bring me a bigger dose of true, unfiltered, overcaffeinated-child-in-a-McDonalds-play-pit joy than opening an inexpensive Cabernet and having it overdeliver in a HUGE way.

So, when we tasted this in a lineup that included some heavy hitting, big name Napa Cabernet, and then we saw the price, our eyes lit up and we immediately set to work securing as much as possible.

Lake County sits just North of Napa and has been the focus of some serious planting and efforts from big names like Andy Beckstoffer for years now. But Clay Shannon has long known the value of these red volcanic soil laden hills. And this wine is a testament to the quality of the high elevation Home Ranch vineyard, which sits at 2,400 feet. Despite the high quality, Lake County prices remain absurdly low compared to Napa. But you can find some absurdly delicious deals there…

Like this pure, red and blue fruited Cabernet that’s just begging to be consumed with abandon any night of the week. Silky, medium bodied, and glowing with red raspberry, plum, ripe cherry, cassis and chocolate undertones. Modest and well-integrated oak doesn’t come off as cheap or overpowering in any way. Just a straight up honest value. We put 100% faith in the pair of CellarTracker reviews which both echo the same feeling - “Very balanced… definitely worth the price.” and “Well balanced… a good value”.

A very good value indeed at $38. At our price, it’s a complete no-brainer and a total must have.

Like for about $100 a six pack?? Yes way!

90 Points – Wine Enthusiast

“Ripe in flavor and brawny in structure, this full-bodied wine offers enticing aromas of oak spice, sunbaked earth and olive. Blackberry and plum flavors glide along the palate, with moderate tannins and firm acidity to keep it grippy and balanced.”