- About This Wine
- Ratings & Reviews
- Tasting Notes
About This Wine
Ratings & Reviews
Tasting Notes
ABOUT THIS WINE
REVIEWS
WINEMAKER NOTES
In the challenging backdrop of unpredictable weather conditions, the Robert Craig 2019 Howell Mt. Cabernet Sauvignon emerges as a testament to resilience and craftsmanship. The journey begins with a tumultuous growing season, marked by cold spells during budbreak and chilly winds at flower and fruit set. However, nature's curveballs only set the stage for a mild and extended growing window that gracefully extended to harvest, allowing the exceptional fruit quality to shine through. Despite the meager yields, the berries from Candlestick Ridge and Winery Estate vineyards proved to be a canvas for exquisite extraction.
The winemaking narrative takes an intriguing turn as the lab unveils massive tannin numbers during fermentation. A cause for concern turns into a revelation as time unfolds, showcasing ripe, round, and delightful tannins on the middle palate. These tannins become the scaffolding that supports the size and scope of the fruit in the 2019 vintage. The blend, enriched by a touch of Merlot and Malbec, adds layers of complexity to this astounding wine, unlocking dimensions that captivate the senses.
Venturing into the vineyards, the Winery Estate Vineyard on Howell Mountain demands unwavering attention. Spread across nine acres, it boasts a challenging terrain with significant soil and microclimate variations. Despite meager average yields of 1.8 tons per acre, the fruit emanates a rare power and site-specific expression. Shallow soils, even by Howell Mountain standards, compel the vines to navigate rocky terrains in search of moisture, resulting in a wine that mirrors the vineyard's tenacity.
A stone's throw away lies the Candlestick Ridge Estate Vineyard, the northernmost gem in the Howell Mountain AVA. Its slightly warmer climate, influenced by warm air from Pope Valley, coupled with protection from the constant wind at its lower elevation, creates a unique terroir. The replanting process, which involved removing substantial subsurface boulders, left behind a thin layer of tufa soil atop a rocky volcanic bedrock, contributing to the wine's distinctive character.
In essence, the Robert Craig 2019 Howell Mt. Cabernet Sauvignon beckons enthusiasts on a journey through nature's challenges and winemaking expertise. It's not just a bottle; it's a narrative of resilience, craftsmanship, and the unique terroir of Howell Mountain. Indulge in a symphony of flavors, where every sip is a testament to the artistry that defied the odds of an unpredictable growing season.
Blend: 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec, & 2% Petite Verdot
Alcohol: 14.8%
The winemaking narrative takes an intriguing turn as the lab unveils massive tannin numbers during fermentation. A cause for concern turns into a revelation as time unfolds, showcasing ripe, round, and delightful tannins on the middle palate. These tannins become the scaffolding that supports the size and scope of the fruit in the 2019 vintage. The blend, enriched by a touch of Merlot and Malbec, adds layers of complexity to this astounding wine, unlocking dimensions that captivate the senses.
Venturing into the vineyards, the Winery Estate Vineyard on Howell Mountain demands unwavering attention. Spread across nine acres, it boasts a challenging terrain with significant soil and microclimate variations. Despite meager average yields of 1.8 tons per acre, the fruit emanates a rare power and site-specific expression. Shallow soils, even by Howell Mountain standards, compel the vines to navigate rocky terrains in search of moisture, resulting in a wine that mirrors the vineyard's tenacity.
A stone's throw away lies the Candlestick Ridge Estate Vineyard, the northernmost gem in the Howell Mountain AVA. Its slightly warmer climate, influenced by warm air from Pope Valley, coupled with protection from the constant wind at its lower elevation, creates a unique terroir. The replanting process, which involved removing substantial subsurface boulders, left behind a thin layer of tufa soil atop a rocky volcanic bedrock, contributing to the wine's distinctive character.
In essence, the Robert Craig 2019 Howell Mt. Cabernet Sauvignon beckons enthusiasts on a journey through nature's challenges and winemaking expertise. It's not just a bottle; it's a narrative of resilience, craftsmanship, and the unique terroir of Howell Mountain. Indulge in a symphony of flavors, where every sip is a testament to the artistry that defied the odds of an unpredictable growing season.
Blend: 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec, & 2% Petite Verdot
Alcohol: 14.8%
97 POINTS - "“The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon (Howell Mountain) is another stellar wine from Robert Craig. Bright and incisive, with tons of energy, the Howell Mountain Cabernet delivers the goods, big time. A rush of inky red/purplish fruit, rose petal, lavender, menthol, spice and crushed rocks build into a crescendo of aromas and flavors that dazzles. This deep, vivid Cabernet hits all the right notes. Superb.” - Vinous
96 POINTS - "From a 0.44ha vineyard of well-draining alluvial soils. Aged in 100% new French oak for 21 months, bottled unfined and unfiltered. Richly scented with dark fruit, loamy soil, vivid violet and rose petal notes and coffee beans. Decadent mountain blueberry and mulberry fruit, with mineral underpinnings and chocolaty tannins that are firm, long and muscular. Nicely integrated with pops of wild herbs on the finish. A deliciously pleasing wine. Just six barrels produced" - Decanter
94 POINTS - "A blend of two vineyard sites, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is an assemblage of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot. Matured 18 month in French oak, it's cedary, but those shadings are balanced by attractive sage nuances set against a backdrop of ripe blueberries and cherries. Full-bodied, rich, velvety and long, it's the real deal. Best After 2024." - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
96 POINTS - "From a 0.44ha vineyard of well-draining alluvial soils. Aged in 100% new French oak for 21 months, bottled unfined and unfiltered. Richly scented with dark fruit, loamy soil, vivid violet and rose petal notes and coffee beans. Decadent mountain blueberry and mulberry fruit, with mineral underpinnings and chocolaty tannins that are firm, long and muscular. Nicely integrated with pops of wild herbs on the finish. A deliciously pleasing wine. Just six barrels produced" - Decanter
94 POINTS - "A blend of two vineyard sites, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is an assemblage of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot. Matured 18 month in French oak, it's cedary, but those shadings are balanced by attractive sage nuances set against a backdrop of ripe blueberries and cherries. Full-bodied, rich, velvety and long, it's the real deal. Best After 2024." - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The small number of berries from our Candlestick Ridge and Winery Estate vineyards welcomed extraction, with the only worry being the massive tannin numbers showing in the lab as the color poured from fermentation. As time went on, the tannins have proven ripe, round, and lovely on the middle palate, providing the scaffolding for size and scope of the fruit in the 2019 vintage.