2019 Robert Craig Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain, Napa Valley

San Francisco Wine Panel Score 97 Points

If a bit youthfully shy at opening, the outstanding mountain Cab quickly expands to fully express its intense fruit and overall distinction. The nose is already wonderfully complex, and offers a rich mélange of dark red cherry, Cassis, blackberry, clove, cedar, laurel, graphite, baking spice and toffee, along with a suggestion of Kalamata olive. Ideally ripened cherry and blueberry flavors dominate on the palate, where all the fruit and spice elements promised by the aromas gradually layer-in to create a supple harmony. The finish lingers with notable flavor impact and the wine is so polished that its firming spine of tannin never really intrudes on the drinking pleasure. Certain to improve for four to six years and beyond, and it will always be a noble bottling. Blended with 6% Malbec and 2% Petite Verdot, 1176 cases made.