Description
Description
After inspecting the wine’s deep ruby hues, one is quickly drawn to its alluring aromatics of bold mountain fruit, redolent with black cherry, plum and hints of earth and savory sage. The attack does not demur, expounding with notes of crushed blackberries, cassis, graphite, cedar and baking spices in an arcing narrative that announces the fabled story of Howell Mountain itself, from which the rich history and great traditions of Napa Valley winemaking originate. Aged 22 months in 42% new French Oak, the wine divulges a delicious dialectic of depth, density, and dimension; striking, and strident upon introduction; knowingly forthright with grainy tannins through the mid-palate, only to finish satisfyingly in wizened and soulful repose.