2006 O'Shaughnessy Merlot Howell Mountain
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Tasting notes
Bright ruby-red. Brooding aromas of currant, roast coffee, cocoa powder and wild herbs complemented by sexy sweet oak scents. Sweet and rather powerful, with a mineral pungency to the dark raspberry and oak flavors. Finishes with substantial chewy oak tannins. I'd like to have seen this fruit in something less than 100% new barrels.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2006 Merlot is an elegant, soft effort displaying a hint of minerality as well as an attractive mocha, chocolate, and berry fruit-scented and flavored mouthfeel, medium to full body, and immediate accessibility, although it will keep for 8-10 years. The wines for this serious Howell Mountain estate are made by Sean Capiaux of Capiaux Cellars. Production is limited to approximately 1,000 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain (where they own 30 acres) and smaller amounts of the Mt. Veeder cuvee. Tel. (707) 965-2898; fax (707) 965-3010
Good bright ruby-red. Pungent, vibrant aromas of raspberry, plum, minerals and leather; this, too, struck me as Burgundian. Lush and sweet but with terrific mineral grip and a flavor of liquefied lead pencil (the soil here is essentially volcanic ash). Very attractive combination of sweetness and minerality. Finishes long, tasty and serious, with terrific energy. A California merlot with real personality.