2017 Hindsight Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon and Two Pizza’s!
Something a bit different last evening. We were having a discussion on which “frozen Pepperoni pizza” was the best. The only way to settle it was to bake both and have a taste off. Not our normal Friday night dinner, but something unusual. So not all Friday night meals are “gourmet”.
So having this taste off called for an exquisite wine so no matter the outcome, we could enjoy a nice glass of wine. Always like stacking the deck in our favor! The Hindsight Cabernet Sauvignon from Howell Mountain, Bella Vetta Vineyard filled the bill nicely. The Hindsight 2017 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.
The two pizzas in question were Di Giorno Pepperoni Rising Crust and Freschetta Naturally Rising Crust pizza. Both were baked per the instructions and served piping hot. Di Giorno won hands down on its crust texture, sauce flavor, pepperoni taste and cheese (left side in picture).
While the pizza “bake off” results were enlightening, the real winner was the Hindsight wine!
Sláinte,
Michael
California Wines & Wineries 