2018 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon - Castiel Estate

Rich blackberry preserves, Cuban cigar, chocolate covered açaí. Dark plum skin, violet oil, blueberry cheesecake. Tantalizing bursts of elegant yet deeply extracted fruit highlighted by huckleberry pie, crème de cassis, and dark cherry lead a magnificently complex and concentrated display that is brilliantly layered with cinnamon, clove, vanilla, and a range of aromatic baking spices. Hints of eucalyptus, dried mint, and sage gently provide captivatingly clean herbal underpinnings that are further enhanced by deep floral tones of dark rose and blooming iris. Notes of toasted marshmallow, espresso, and extra-dark chocolate generously reveal alluring streaks of opulence that are matched in intensity by attractive earthy impressions of volcanic soil, iron, and smoke. Impressively powerful, poised, and polished on the palate with a striking combination of raw muscle and delicate finesse; exhibiting an immensely serious and ageworthy presentation that is rugged yet luxurious with a texture reminiscent of sipping crushed velvet. Full bodied yet flawlessly balanced with elevated yet supple tannin backed by bright acidity. This 2018 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon by Castiel Estate is a seductive and attention-grabbing red from Napa Valley.

Located high in the Vaca Mountains that run along the eastern edge of Napa Valley, Howell Mountain is a legendary winegrowing appellation known for producing brooding yet balanced wines with an inimitable combination of power, structure, and depth. This bottling, crafted by Castiel Estate using 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grown on Howell Mountain, is a downright spellbinding example of the collision elegance and might that makes wine from this rural region so highly coveted. This booms with a massively dense yet still supple dark-fruited core layered with intriguing herbs, rocky earthiness, premium oak influence, and an irresistible lightly-chocolatey sheen. Although already astoundingly delicious in its youth after a moderate decant this boasts the structure and concentration to age for decades, and would make an excellent addition to any cellar. Wow.