2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
(14.9% alcohol): Bright, dark red-ruby. Expressive aromas of black raspberry, minerals and mocha lifted by captivating violet perfume. Boasts a compelling silky core of black raspberry, licorice and saline mineral flavors, showing substantial baby fat and early sweetness. This fruit was harvested very ripe (at 28 to 29 degrees Brix) yet the wine comes across as juicy and complete, and not at all extreme. The ripe tannins hit the palate late and build. A vibrant, complete wine with serious density. Capiaux described 2012 as "a great straightforward Napa Valley vintage for us."
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Dark red cherry, plum, smoke, new leather, tobacco, cloves and mocha meld together in the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain. Rich, ample and textured, the 2012 is full of intensity. The contours are quite soft, though, which makes the 2012 unusually gentle and tamed for a young Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. The radiant, explosive finish alone is hugely appealing. In 2012, winemaker Sean Capiaux used all seven Bordeaux varieties in the blend.
Composed of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Malbec and a handful of other varietals, The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain exhibits an opaque purple color as well as abundant aromas of wet gravel, lead pencil shavings, blueberries and mulberries, a dense, opulent, full-bodied mouthfeel, sweet tannin and a terrific texture and finish. Drink this impressive effort over the next 15-20 years.
The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is dense, powerful and packed to the core. Inky black fruit, spice, leather, cinnamon, graphite, espresso and mocha blossom nicely in the glass. This sumptuous, potent Howell Mountain Cabernet is just starting to soften. There are a fair amount of blenders in this vintage (21%) that add complexity.