2012 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

Howell Mountain Estate Vineyard

Howell Mountain

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95 POINTS

"The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain comes from an elevation of nearly 2,300 feet and tiny yields of 1.8 tons of fruit per acre. From red, rocky volcanic soils, it is a spicy, rich wine with dark mountain fruits, a hint of graphite and white chocolate (or is it mocha?). This is full-bodied, magical stuff that should drink well for at least ten years."
Robert M. Parker, Jr. The Wine Advocate
10/1/14

750 ml

2012 HOWELL MOUNTAIN CABERNET SAUVIGNON
After an incredibly challenging 2011 season, Mother Nature decided to give Howell Mountain a break in 2012, delivering an entirely unremarkable vintage – except for the fact that it was spectacularly remarkable! The season was near-perfect – with ideal conditions at budbreak and fruit set, followed by a long, even, mild ripening season that brought out the very best Howell Mountain has to offer
(and that IS saying something!).

Along the summit ridge of Howell Mountain at 2300’, our 9.5-acre estate vineyard produced a meager 1.8 tons per acre, developing fruit with a rare power and expression of site. The tannin structure was off the charts – but they were supple and round, allowing a measure of grace in youth for such a long-lived wine. A classic year marked by tremendous structure.

Blend: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 2% Petite Verdot
Cases produced: 930
Harvest dates: Sept 30 - Oct 21, 2012
Average sugar: 24.5° Brix
TA: 5.0g/L | pH: 3.87 | Alcohol: 14.5%
Barrel Aging: 20 months in Chateau-style French oak; 80% new. Unfiltered and unfined.
Bottling Date: July 3, 2014

HOWELL MOUNTAIN WINERY ESTATE VINEYARD
Planted in 1997 on 110R rootstock which fares well in stony soils, our estate vineyard is showing the vine maturity in the finished wines. The red volcanic and tufa soils give our Howell Mountain Cabernet a wild, bramble berry character, coupled with touches of warm red stones and spice. Since we are situated right along the summit, the soils are especially shallow, even for Howell Mountain, and the vines must work through the rocky soils to seek moisture. Since 2009 we have been converting the site to cane pruned so that each vine can have an individual plan for the amount of crop it will need to ripen. We call this wine our “blood from the stones” for a reason.

7-YEAR TASTING NOTES
Our Howell Mountain Cabernet has always held its youth and bountiful wild berry fruit the longest, and the 2012 is no exception. The intense, black bramble berry fruit is complemented by a Bordeaux barrel perfume and supportive tannin structure. This is a classic Howell Mountain wine that has time to go, but it is starting to show its cards.

95 POINTS
"The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain comes from an elevation of nearly 2,300 feet and tiny yields of 1.8 tons of fruit per acre. From red, rocky volcanic soils, it is a spicy, rich wine with dark mountain fruits, a hint of graphite and white chocolate (or is it mocha?). This is full-bodied, magical stuff that should drink well for at least ten years."
Robert M. Parker, Jr., The Wine Advocate
10/1/14

2012 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

About This Wine

Vineyard

Tasting Notes

Accolades

2012 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

About This Wine

Vineyard

Tasting Notes

Accolades

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