Do you remember how fast our inaugural Enigma Cab went? We’re back on the same mountain with yet another crazy deal, and this time a single-vineyard like no other, just sayin…

We taste a lot of wine every year, and whenever a Howell Mountain Cab lands on the table, we get giddy with anticipation. They rarely disappoint, and this one straight-up crushed everything on the table a few weeks ago. Been trying to get the price right since, and we did! Good luck finding a Howell Cab for anywhere near this price. From the ‘18 vintage - at like HALF OFF - bringing it under $50?

Long-time friends Robert Young and Roger Louer partnered up in 1999 to start this super under-the-radar project. They own a prime 18 acres on Howell Mountain right in that sweet spot with neighbors like David Abreu, Beringer’s Bancroft Ranch, La Jota, Liparita, and WH Smith. The location doesn’t get much better, and the wine delivers everything you want, including accolades.

With that kind of prime fruit, all you need is a top consultant winemaker to give it justice. Enter UC Davis graduate Barry Gnekow of Klinker Brick fame, plus Educated Guess, Laurel Glen, J. Lohr, Hahn Estates, Jessie’s Grove, to name a few labels he’s worked with you may recognize. As The Orange Co. Register once wrote “consumers became hooked on the dense, fruit-driven wine style that Gnekow is known for.”

What’s in our glasses, besides being inky black to the core with a purple glowing rim, is dense and ripe, but not overly extracted or too thick. It deftly balances a core of black and red fruits with dark roasted coffee beans, figs, allspice, clove, and smoked meat nuances. Long, juicy, spicy, and savory - it’s ultra-satisfying in every which way. If only Agent Malbec didn’t leave his Traeger outside the HQ building for someone to liberate, we’d be smoking some brisket right now… so instead we’ll just put an order in at Lombardi’s down the road.

If you fancy yourself a savvy Cab drinker, and you like saving over 50% off retail, what are you waiting for? We didn’t get much and had to roll this out on a quiet Sunday morning. By far the lowest price you’ll find anywhere, so… you got some, right?

94 Points – Ken’s Wine Guide

“This deep ruby colored Cabernet Sauvignon opens with a mild black cherry, black licorice and oak bouquet with a hint of teaberry. On the palate, this wine is medium plus bodied with plus acidity. We also found it to be rather juicy. The flavor profile is a mild crushed stone and gentle Dr. Pepper blend with notes of red fruit and mild oak. We also detected a hint of clove mixed in as well. The finish is dry and its solid tannins stick around for a very long time. The Panel would definitely decant this Cab and pair it with a New York strip steak or with venison sausage. This impressive Cab was even better on day 2.”

92 Points – Wine Spectator

“This Cabernet Sauvignon has a sappy feel, with layers of cassis, fig paste, and blackberry preserve coating a brambly spine, while a tar-edged grip and roasted apple wood drive the finish. Has heft, with the energy to match. Best from 2022 through 2034.”