2022 HALL Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
Critic Review
"...Deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps with bold notes of juicy plums, black currant cordial, and licorice, followed by suggestions of tar, dried lavender, and fallen leaves. The full bodied palate is coated with black fruit preserves flavors, framed by a grainy texture and well-knit freshness, finishing on a lingering anise note."
94 Points | Wine Spectator, James Molesworth
"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."
The 2022 Howell Mountain has a perfumed nose with super ripe plum, floral notes, black mulberry, assam black tea, black fruits, and crushed rocks. The palate opens with a powerful entry; the tannins are big, focused, polished; and supported by flavors of black licorice, tarry, intense; with a long delicious finish.
Ripe Plum
Floral
Black Mulberry
Crushed Rocks
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 | 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Saint Macaire, 4% Merlot |
| Barrel Aging | 24 Months in 70% New French Oak |
| Appellation | Howell Mountain, Napa Valley |
| Vineyard | Pierson and Posadas (Grower Partners) |
| Vintage Notes | Ample winter rain, followed by temperate and dry conditions through March gave us a good start to the vintage. The spring and summer months were consistent and warm, resulting in small but healthy canopies and balanced vines. Labor Day came with a curveball from Mother Nature in the form of a prolonged heat wave that accelerated harvest at many of our vineyard sites, followed immediately by much cooler weather and a bit of rain. This refreshing slow-down allowed the remaining grapes to hang a bit longer, yielding beautifully balanced fruit and polished tannin. Overall the 2022 vintage is fresh with pure, concentrated flavors. |
