2006 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
Good ruby-red. Espresso, mocha and a chocolatey ripeness currently overshadow primary fruits on the nose. Broad and spicy but youthfully tight, with briary black fruit and dark chocolate flavors peaking through. Finishes with ripe but serious tannins and a juicy quality. Closed today and in need of patience.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain avoids the hard tannin and monolithic character that can be found in some 2006 Cabernets. Pure black raspberry, black currant, graphite, and subtle spicy oak dominate the aromatics. Full body, an admirable texture, a layered mouthfeel, and a long finish suggest this 2006 can be drunk now or cellared for a decade or more. This beautiful 40-acre estate (19 of which are under vine) high on Howell Mountain enjoys a sensational view of Napa Valley and the Mayacamas Mountains to the west. The renowned Thomas Brown is the winemaker. There are only around 300+ cases of the Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon and significantly less of the single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon True Vineyard. Tel. (707) 965-1718; Fax (707) 965-1761
Good full ruby. Currant, espresso, bitter chocolate and menthol on the nose; smells sweeter than the '05. Then juicy and firmly built but with lovely sweetness to the rather primary dark fruit flavors. The tannins are more substantial than those of the 2005 but also riper. Finishes with a strong note of baker's chocolate.