2021 HALL Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
Critic Review
"This delivers potent blackberry and boysenberry compote flavors, along with a note of warmed cassis. Melted licorice, ganache and singed alder accents fill in through the finish, where an iron echo adds a sense of freshness. Drink now through 2042."
94 Points | Robert Parker Wine Advocate, Joe Cerzwinski
"Hall's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain reps this AVA faithfully, with scents of blueberries and pine needles accented by deep mocha shadings. Like all of Hall's high-end Cabernets, it's full-bodied, ripe and concentrated, but this one seems particularly lush, with a dense, creamy texture that turns velvety on the long, lingering finish."
96-98 Points | Jeb Dunnuck
More black (and some blue) fruits, creosote, scorched earth, iron, and bouquet garni-like notes emerge from the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain, a powerful appellation release that's full-bodied and has a concentrated, pure, layered mouthfeel, ripe, substantial tannins, and a great finish. Displaying classic Howell Mountain character, this gorgeous wine will evolve for 25+ years if well stored.
94-96 Points | The Wine Independent, Lisa Perrotti-Brown
"The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain was tasted as a barrel sample. Deep garnet-purple in color, it is a touch closed to start off, soon opening out to offer glimpses at wet slate, crushed blackberries, and fresh blackcurrants notes, plus suggestions of lavender, bouquet garni, and beef dripping. The full-bodied palate offers tight-knit black fruit and earthy/mineral accents, supported by a solid backbone of grainy tannins and wonderful freshness, finishing long and energetic."
The 2021 Howell Mountain displays fresh and concentrated aromas of dark red fruits layered with hints of dried herbs. Blackcurrant and boysenberry fruits dominate the flavor profile, which is underscored by a subtle note of iron. The palate is focused with a densely tannic structure that is powerful, yet sleek—leading into a perfectly integrated finish.
Dark Red Fruits
Dried Herbs
Blackcurrant
Boysenberry
Perched 1400 feet above the valley floor, Howell Mountain is well above the fog line. This natural inversion layer assures the vineyards are drenched in sunlight from daybreak to sunset. Cooler spring temperatures cause buds to break later than average, and warm summer nights produce fruit of opulence and density. With rocky, infertile volcanic soils, the water is freely drained and the vines struggle and are low in vigor, producing intense wines from small clusters and berries.
| Bottle Size | 750mL |
|---|---|
| Varietal Composition | 100% Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Barrel Aging | 26 Months in 75% New French Oak |
| Appellation | Howell Mountain, Napa Valley |
| Vineyard | Hughs and Las Posadas (Vineyard Partners) |
| Vintage Notes | The alluring 2021 vintage is notable for its low yields, which resulted in an extra degree of concentration in our wines. In a second year of severe drought, the vines grew quickly in the warm spring weather while our team carefully managed irrigation block by block. By summer, the vines had set a lighter than average crop, and cooler weather in August allowed time for multiple vineyard passes to finetune the fruit load and manage the canopy. After a smooth harvest season, we are excited about the beautifully balanced, flavor-packed 2021's. |
