After 22 months in 70% new French oak, there's scarcely a trace of it to be found on the nose of the stunning 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon. There's a touch of bay leaf, perhaps the slightest hints of bell pepper and pine, but also masses of cassis. Dark, dense and sturdy, this full-bodied masterpiece is rich, round and supple, with a long finish that leaves a lingering trail of mocha and dark chocolate that somehow avoids any sense of heaviness or excess.

Coming from two sites on Howell Mountain, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is a brilliant effort that readers should jump on if given the chance. Classic mountain aromatics of black fruits, tobacco, chocolate, and mineral-like nuances define the bouquet, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a layered mouthfeel, plenty of tannins, and a great finish. The balance is terrific, and this will benefit from just a few years of bottle age and should have 20-25 years of overall longevity.