2008 Robert Craig Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain

The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is a civilized wine from that high-elevation appellation. Plum, anise, pepper, and wild mountain fruits are present in the moderately intense bouquet. In the mouth, this medium-bodied wine displays good fruit, elegance, and a savory quality, with nothing out of place. Impressively pure and nicely textured, it should drink well for 10-15 years. I looked at the three blends from the Robert Craig Winery in 2009, the Affinity, Mt. Veeder, and Howell Mountain, and this looks to be a seductive vintage of forward fruit. They do not have the weight, exuberance, and flashiness of the 2007s, but these mid-weight wines exhibit loads of charm, silkiness, and no doubt, plenty of consumer appeal. Tel. (707) 252-2250