2022 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

Vintage Notes

The 2022 vintage began early, spurred on by mild winter weather and modest rainfall, leading to budbreak nearly a month ahead of typical. This is concerning as it increases the risk of frost damage as shoots are exposed to unsettled March and April weather, but an early start is often excellent for wine quality. Nature was very kind to us in the spiring, and while frost damage was not uncommon in the foothills or the central coast, we entered more settled Spring weather essentially unscathed. Winter rains supplemented with early irrigation provided balanced, even growth and a reasonable set entering the Summer. Here the weather became a bit of a rollercoaster between hot and moderate weather, with a serious heat strike in September. These individual waves require a bit more more irrigation to protect vine health, and can actually slow or alter grape development. Our position high on Howell Mountain takes the edges off: what can be too hot on the valley floor is 5 to 10 degrees cooler at our altitude. That said, some heat damage was seen in directly sun exposed berries, which we removed at crush using both mechanical and optical sorting systems. We harvested only a day earlier than 2021 but about two weeks ahead of usual, a crop of beautifully ripened, intensely flavored, small berried cabernet sauvignon.

Tasting Notes

Sweet spices, ripe red cherries and black raspberries come first, followed by aromas of sweet herbs, black from, and brown sugar. Rich red, blue and black fruits are joined by the scent of rose hips, thyme, cedar, and traces of pine on a sumptuous palate layered with flavor and supported by balanced acidity and sweet cocoa tannins. This beautiful wine is easily enjoyed over the next few years with decanting, but we expect it to develop and reward the patient for a decades to come.