Established by Tom Bergess in 1972, this Howell Mountain Winery had a reputation for making elegant Cabernets, was sold to the owners of Heitz Cellars in 2020. I can see exciting times are ahead for this winery.
This is mostly Cabernet- 90% with 6% Petit Verdot and 4% Malbec.
Aged for 22months in 15% new French oak and 85% neutral French oak Barrique.
One sniff of this and it screams Napa, and the elegance narrow it down to Mountain fruit. Fruit was sourced from the Sorenson (800-1,000 elevation) and Haymaker vineyards on the west and east-facing sides of Howell Mountain.
The nose exudes presence with enticing notes of rich blackberries, black currents, and a hint of mint and spices.
The palate is plush and silky smooth almost demanding you take a sip. Almost seamless layers of rich blackberries, black currents, plums, with secondary notes of black cherries and cocoa balanced with sweet tobacco, cooking herbs and spices. Long finish.
There is aging potential for this Cabernet out to 2034 with anticipated improvements.
Pairings should include ribeye and sirloin steak, a burger from the grill, beef short ribs, roast lamb, NY strips, meat pizza, and for veggie lovers: Veggie pizza, Black bean burger, Vegan Enchiladas and Mushroom risotto at a pinch.
Vine to Table 