2012 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

2012 Vintage Notes

The season was marked by a return to classic Napa Valley weather. Overall, the growing season was moderate, generally warm with rare spikes to hot, after a winter of modest rainfall. Unusually rain free, the weather remained warm and sunny through October, which brought the development and ripeness we were looking for. Our fruit was ripe and ready, tannins well-developed, seeds brown, flavors rich and complex.

2012 Howell Mountain Tasting Notes

The wine opens with the intense aromas of fresh raspberries, green tea, and vanilla. Structured yet smooth, the palate is overflowing with red cassis and cherry flavors, with hints of espresso, baking spices, and  cocoa. The wine draws you back again and again with velvety power, rich fruit, and supple, completely integrated tannins. While it will improve for years in the cellar, it can be enjoyed in the near term. 

•  Harvest Date: October 22nd
•  Brix: 27.1
•  pH: 3.76
•  44 days on the skins from crush to press including:
  •  A 4-day cold soak with daily pumpovers at which point it began a natural fermentation
  •  A 14-day fermentation with twice daily aerative pumpovers
  •  Extended maceration for an additional 26 days on the skins
•  Aged for 20 months in 100% French Oak, 85% new
•  Bottled: August 20th, 2013
•  Unfined and Unfiltered