Wines - 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon – Howell Mountain

Exceptional high-elevation vineyards in the Howell Mountain appellation produce intensely concentrated grapes. Soils are volcanic in origin and consist of two main types: the first is decomposed volcanic ash called tufa, and the second is red volcanic rock and clay that is high in iron. Both are nutrient-poor, which stresses the vines, producing intense and structured wines from small clusters and berries. The altitude, climate, and soils combine to create a classic mountain Cabernet Sauvignon with incredible concentration, texture, and structure.

Hand harvested in the cool early morning hours, the fruit was immediately subjected to rigorous selection by our three-tiered sorting process, including our innovative optical sorter, to eliminate less-than-perfect berries. The selected fruit was gently delivered to tank via gravity by our crane system, retaining perfect, whole berries. Cold soaks lasted approximately five days, and fermentations were managed by a combination of délestage and pump overs. Extended maceration, ranging from three to four weeks, fine-tuned tannin profiles, allowing us to build structure and wine complexity. The wine was aged in French oak barrels, 52% of which were new, for twenty-one months.

Inky purple to the rim, the 2023 Howell Mountain leads with an extraordinary nose of sweet mulberry, intense graphite, forest floor, smoldering wood charcoal, and a delicious panoply of blackberry and cassis fruit. Red and black licorice flavors burst out on the palate with notes of black truffle and cardamon giving the wine depth and complexity. Fully integrated and immediately enjoyable, this wine charms the taster and demands another taste. – Christopher Tynan, Director of Winemaking