2009 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

20??-20??. The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is a very typical wine from this appellation. Spices, grilled herbs and new leather add considerable complexity to the dark fruit. I especially admire the finesse and fabulous overall sense of harmony here. This is a highly representative Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon.

The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is a very typical wine from this appellation. Spices, grilled herbs and new leather add considerable complexity to the dark fruit. I especially admire the finesse and fabulous overall sense of harmony here. This is a highly representative Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. This is a gorgeous set of wines from Frank and Kathy Dotzler. The Outpost wines have very distinct personalities, and stand quite apart from most of what is being made in Napa Valley today, especially when it comes to Grenache, Zinfandel and Petite Syrah. The estate is located on Howell Mountain, in a very distinct microclimate that features a condensed growing season. When I visited in April this year the vines were completely dormant, yet when I returned, in late October, early morning temperatures were easily ten degrees warmer than they were on the valley floor. Tel. (707) 965-1718

Good ruby-red. Subdued but pure aromas of dark berries, violet and licorice; smells serious! Then dense, thick, rich and deep in the mouth, with dark flavors of cassis, blackberry, licorice and menthol. Boasts a large structure, with the rather powerful tongue-dusting tannins arriving early. This youthfully medicinal, classic Howell Mountain cabernet will need at least five years of cellaring upon its release.