Highlands Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a small production from a unique site in the heart of the Howell Mountain AVA. The soils are decomposed volcanic ash, called “tufa”, and the second is red clay that is high in iron. Only 8 barrels were made of the 2018 Reserve.

Seamless season of heavenly hangtime and phenomenal phenolic development. February saw abundant rains, followed by lots of filtered light in spring and early summer. Both bud break and flowering occurred a bit late, but under ideal weather conditions, creating plentiful and even fruit set. Summer brought generous sun during the day and cooler marine influences, virtually uninterrupted by major heat spikes. The relatively mild summer followed by extended fall sunshine and moderate heat created near-ideal conditions for winemakers to allow their fruit to accumulate flavor complexity with gradual increases in sugar levels.

This vintage‘s weather, and harvest, as well as our traditional small-batch winemaking techniques, allowed this wine to develop the structure and fruit characteristics we envisioned. You will taste a wine of finesse, complexity and elegance.

Full and powerful nose and deep ruby/garnet color in this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon drives anticipation. Vibrant aromas of cherry, red berries, vanilla, and gentle oak tantalize the nose and set a chocolate, cream-like expectation on the palate. Followed with a full and lush sense of sweetness on each sip carrying blackberry and earthy, smoky notes even more cocoa cream lasting finish. Sophisticated!

This Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon features forward red fruit character, balanced structure and soft oak. Traditional pairing is with red meats, but t can also enhance bolder flavors such as tikka masala and gorgonzola cheese. Drink now and enjoy or lay it down as it develops over time. A wine of this caliber will benefit from moderate decanting. The excellent tannic-acid structure will allow this wine to cellar for up to 10 years.