For this Turk, it was another mountain.

More than 20 years ago, Agent Noir - born a Turk - spent his very first night in California looking at Howell Mountain. He called his bride and said, “honey, I’ve found home.” and the rest is history… at least for his story.

There is a bigger history. The Turkic people are a nomadic tribe originating in Central Asia, who found a new home in Asia Minor in the 11th century. Having fought their way horseback across vast, cold lands, they are by necessity and definition strong people.

Hence the name of this Howell Mountain Cab. Cliffhanger too is a befitting name for it as if all that holds your palate onto dear life is a ten-thousand-pound rated rope at 2,000 feet elevation.

Our climbing coach in this expedition is none other than consulting winemaker extraordinaire Kevin Morrisey who worked at Château Petrus(!), Ehlers Estate, Etude, Stags’ Leap Winery, you get the drift.

This 90% Cabernet Sauvignon (with 10% Merlot to cushion those famous high-elevation tannins) comes straight from the rugged terrain on Howell Mountain, where some of Napa’s best Cabs are born. And for $38, well there’s NOTHING comparable from this glorious AVA. Legends like Abreu, Lokoya, Dunn all exemplify this mythical appellation and have long well reached stratospheric prices. Good luck finding a Howell Cab for under $100 worth a damn. Be searching a while, unless you’re here, and now!

For good measure and a boost in confidence, the 95 points it earned ain’t too shabby, but in all honesty, points don’t do it justice. Surprisingly approachable, and downright sexy, with beautiful notes of blue fruits, forest floor, Asian spices, and lead pencil shavings. It hits the palate with an open, opulent texture and ripe, polished tannins. The tannic austerity this appellation is known for is certainly not present, yet it’s fleshy, beautifully concentrated, and has an awesome long finish. We can hear the steaks sizzling…

What else is sizzling? How hot this TURK is, and how fast it will go at 60% OFF!!!

95 Points, Publisher’s Pick – The Tasting Panel

“With 10% Merlot blended in, this concentrated red is ripe and juicy, with a wash of blackberry lengthening its glide path. Its skyscraper structure exhibits regal tannins. Cedar notes are long and flanked by graphite and roasted coffee bean.”