November 16, 2023 - I have no patience whatsoever…let’s start there.
After a great visit in August, I couldn’t wait to pop one on arrival, but I did wait … all 5 days!
4 hr double decant under air in bottle, but best sips at 6 hr. Ideally this needs a sign on the cork that says, wait 12 yrs from vintage!
Early notes— roasted coffee, lavender, perfume, black fruit, young and dare I say ‘primary’ at 8 yrs old
Hrs 4-6, this settled in nicely, black fruited beauty, pine forest, earth, char, perfume, hint of dark red cherry, plenty of tannic structure, the air has tamed the oak, still a ‘big’ wine, but the A/C is handled perfectly as this is not hot in any way shape or form. Flannery hangers made this even better. Me likey!
Upside to 96-97 in 5 yrs. P.S. Didn’t look at prior notes, yet hit the 94 range!
November 10, 2023 - Delicious !!
March 2, 2022 - This is a big, bold wine. Decanted half the bottle for 3+ hours. The aroma captures you immediately announcing 'Arr, There Be Blackberries Here'. Palate heavy with gobs of ripe fruit, dust and late summer field flowers following. Tannins lighter than expected but wonderful balance. Long and satisfying finish. Haven't had a Howell Mtn cab in a long time; expensive, yes, but it is clear what all the hoopla is about. Nice to be reacquainted.
Second day, had to let it open up more. Now tamed oak and more wild, ripe berries. Some secondary scents of dried flowers, spices and cooking chocolate too. Acidity in check. Very Californian (in the best way). Finish is still long and satisfying.
April 2, 2021 - Doing really well. Mature fruit starting to really condense. Blackberry, vanilla, thick, mouthcoating and inky on the front. Very youthful and tannic fruit here. Has a lot of upside potential, but definitely isn't as lean as these can be in their "uber-youth." This one goes darker as it sits on the palate. Very structured dark fruited Howell Mountain wine with a ton of life left in it. A solid 94 right now, and I would definitely say that this one has the potential for more.
January 24, 2021 - Good Howell mountain wine with room to improve.
December 26, 2019 - Ten hour decant. Very deep dark magenta color. Blackberry, malt, cherry pie filling and concrete on the nose. Dusty, velvety palate, with bright, tongue drying acidity. Firm, full tannins on the longish finish. I love Howell Mountain fruit.
December 9, 2018 - This is going to be a fantastic wine if I can keep it stashed away for a while. Definitely needs a long decant this early though.