Girard is a stalwart in the Napa wine scene, with 40+ years on the block. They make an assortment of Cabs, each one representing a particular AVA. Classical and elegant in style, with a Bordeaux sensibility on one side but also driven by pure intensity and power that only Napa can provide. And these wines surely overdeliver by a long shot at our prices today.

Winemaker Glenn Hugo cut his teeth at Provenance, before working under Tom Rinaldi at Sedna and Fleury Estate Winery. From there he landed at Girard, and the rest is history. But winemaking is only a small piece here - every aspect of the winery is meticulously managed. From state of the art equipment and technology, unique barrels for each wine’s needs, and an obsession with farming practices, the entire process is managed to such a high degree.

For this mountain wine we head to Southern Napa, on the Vaca Mountain range side, and up to Atlas Peak. Home to Stagecoach, a stomping ground of John Kongsgaard and the home to other famed producers like Reverie, VinRoc and more.

Still fairly primary, but quite rich, extracted and rowdy. It comes with pixelated flavors that merge together like one of those magic eye pictures. Black and red fruited, with cassis and blackberry compote coming through. Cured meats, raw coffee beans, and toasted oak from the 100% new French oak bring the noise as well. It’s still young, but in a few years it will only improve as the elements meld together. It’s a big, muscular, young, mountain-bred Napa Cab though - you knew that.

And like the previous Howell, the price is just ridonkulous - $120 at the winery and under $50 from us. Who loves ya?

92 Points – James Sucking “A fresh and silky wine with currant and blackberry character. Medium to full body, fine tannins and a crisp finish. Shows finesse and focus for the vintage. Drink or hold.”