2015 Hindsight Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
The definition of hindsight is the “understanding of a situation or event, only after it has happened or developed”. For me having the opportunity to taste this Hindsight wine was similar. It is always noteworthy to try a wine after you have laid it down for a while. Last night, pulled a wine which had morphed even better than when I tasted it last!
The Hindsight 2015 Howell Mountain 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Bella Vetta Vineyard was absolutely delightful. This vineyard is owned by Jac Cole on Howell Mountain at 2,000 foot elevation along the La Jota Ridge. Jac the winemaker states due to a late spring cold snap, the yield was less than 50%. The good news: those vines produced grapes that provided intense flavor. On the eyes, by comparison, a darker fruit in the glass due to a longer extraction by the wine maker. Viscosity is medium to medium heavy. On the nose, distinct blackberries and raspberries. On the palate, some dark cocoa, soft pipe tobacco, plum and licorice. Angular tannins and multi-layered structure provide a finish of delight and quality. This wine is aged almost two years in 60% new French oak barrels. It is Napa Valley, Howell Mountain fruit at its best! This was rated a high mark in “my book” of the Best Wines of 2020 and was noted as the Best Wines Tasted in years 2020 and 2021. It again will make the Best Wines of 2022 at years end, and goes for $95/bottle.
Food and Wine Pairing
Recently I have had so many great meals, I wanted to take a night off so went with some blackberries, Blue cheese, crackers, almonds and pistachios. A perfect quick and light meal and the wine was simpatico with the blackberries and perfect dichotomy with the Blue cheese.
I am so very pleased with its development and in hindsight, wished I had ordered more!!
Sláinte,
Michael
California Wines & Wineries 