Vineyard Notes: Our Howell Mountain Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is produced from our Three Tears Vineyard on the Eastern slope of Howell Mountain. With an elevation that ranges from 1,600 to 2,400 feet above sea level, this estate vineyard sits on a 160-acre estate of which thirteen acres are planted in Cabernet Sauvignon and three Merlot. The rocky volcanic soils and weather conditions are challenging, but worth the extra effort as the vineyards produce wines with outstanding flavor, intensity and aging properties.

Vintage Notes: 2012 was the ideal growing season in the Napa Valley. A mild spring led to a good fruit set, followed by summer and fall seasons that brought warm temperatures free of heat waves. The fruit enjoyed a long, slow ripening, indicating early that the wine produced would be dark, rich and age-worthy.

Winemaker’s Notes: Opening with a stunning bouquet of rich, ripe blackberries, mocha, and deep purple fruits, the palate softens and is rounded out with a potent expression of mineral-laced dried berries. Combined with the spiciness and toasty vanilla oak flavor, the wine blends beautifully to soften the tannins that Howell Mountain is so famous for producing.