2009 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
A powerful, voluptuous nose that at the same time feels elegant and carries the hefty frame very well – dark fruit and cherry cola with nutmeg notes. The gravel/graphite-tinged palate has a wonderful balance of sweet and savoury, five spice and lively freshness. The sweet cassis fruit is supported by a slight leafy character and a liquorice note on the finish. Dense, powerful and with superb concentration. (AC)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Alistair Cooper MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Deep garnet in color, the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain offers up pronounced notes of baked cherries, blackberry preserves and warm cassis with touches of espresso, mincemeat pie and tree bark plus a waft of dried herbs. Full-bodied, the palate is laden with Indian spices, fragrant herbs and warm black fruits with a chewy frame and earthy kick to the finish. 195 cases were made.
100% Cabernet Sauvignon. 22 months in new French oak. Rich nose but fresh underneath. Very chewy still. (JR)
(from Keyes Vineyard, picked after the rain but dried by fans): Aromas of black cherry, licorice, menthol and cocoa powder. Supple, lush and broad, with enticing sweetness to the black raspberry and chocolate flavors. Not the last word in density or flesh but a nice concentrated wine with a ripe vein of acidity and rather easygoing tannins that give it lovely early appeal. Finishes long and pure.