2013 Duckhorn Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
Pulled this last evening for our social distancing with a neighbor on the patio. While all the Napa Valley mountain fruit (Mt Veeder, Spring Mountain, Diamond Mountain and Howell Mountain) are amongst my favorite Cabernet Sauvignon’s this was good but not great! Duckhorn Vineyards has historically made exceptional wines, specifically Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlots (Three Palms). This had some great qualities of dark crimson coloring on the eyes and medium heavy viscosity in the glass. On the nose, the aromas of dark fruit, especially blackberries, with a sweet vanilla wafted into the senses. On the mouth licorice, leather and black tea filled the palate. All producing a medium and extremely smooth silky finish. So thus far all the makings of a “great wine from Howell Mountain”. Where it came short was in the structure and tannins providing a more typical Howell Mountain vintage. It was like a stoic comedian, as you keep waiting for the knockout punch line, but it never happened. In other words it was too reserved and meek. Could not find the percentage of Merlot but suspect it was high in the mix. While typically less expensive than most $150 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon’s at $100 it was still a good wine. It was in the cellar almost 5 years and stored correctly.
Slainte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://www.duckhornwineshop.com/
California Wines & Wineries 