The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain offers a slightly darker, earthier profile that carries beautiful black and blue fruits, charcoal, bouquet garni, and some obvious minerality as well as a whiff of espresso. It's rich, full-bodied, concentrated, and beautifully done. Drink it over the coming two decades. Based on 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% each of Merlot and Malbec, and the rest a mix of varieties, it spent 21 months in 80% new French oak.

The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon (Howell Mountain) is a powerful, dense wine endowed with tremendous concentration. Even so, the Howell Mountain tannins are nicely tamed. Ripe black cherry, black plum, espresso, spice, leather, graphite and dried flowers give the wine its mysterious, somber feel. Readers will find a gorgeous Cabernet that offers superb depth, but also more plushness and early appeal than is typical of Howell Mountain wines. One of the most distinctive signatures of the Howell Mountain Cabernet is the significant presence of blenders - in this vintage, all seven of the Bordeaux red varieties. The blend is 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec, 5% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, 3% Saint-Macaire, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Carménère.

The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is a blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Malbec, 4% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 3% St. Macaire, 1% Cabernet Franc and 2% Carmenere. It was aged for 22 months in French oak, 22% new. Very deep purple-black colored, it rolls easily out of the glass with pronounced notions of creme de cassis, baked plums and blueberry compote with hints of vanilla pod, dark chocolate, camphor and charcuterie plus a waft of cedar chest. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a solid backbone of rugged tannins and bold acidity supporting the intense savory/earthy flavors, finishing with good length and expression, if just a little firm and rustic.