2017 Robert Craig Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain
The Howell Mountain release is considered Robert Craig’s flagship wine. The red volcanic soils of the area give this Cabernet a bramble berry character, with touches of spice. Pure fruit blueberry, tobacco, and soft forest floor are layered in a firm foundation of grippy tannins and a long finish. Pair this with rib eye and prepare to be blown away!
Back in 1992, when Robert Craig founded his eponymous winery, wines from the mountain appellations of Mount Veeder, Howell Mountain, Spring Mountain, and Diamond Mountain weren’t nearly as fashionable as they are today, or as polished and drinkable. Craig was a visionary in a sense, not only because he recognized the inherent value of mountain fruit, but because he insisted on making wines that could also show well on release. No easy task. Even today the vineyard team at Robert Craig works hard to make sure every row they’re picking is optimally ripe, a key factor in avoiding tannic, green wines. Our hat is off to them and to Stephen Tebb for making such beautiful reds.
Jeb Dunnuck
The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain incorporates 18% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot and has classic mountain aromatics as well as tannins. Blackcurrants, blueberries, scorched earth, bouquet garni, and hints of espresso all flow to a medium to full-bodied, concentrated Howell Mountain effort that has building, firm tannins, good acidity, and the balance to evolve nicely. Give bottles 4-5 years and it's going to keep for 15-20 years or more.