Castiel Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain 2016

95 Points Wine Advocate

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon has a slightly broody nose to begin, offering glimpses at damp earth, charcoal and underbrush scents over a core of warm cassis, blackberry pie and black raspberries with touches of pencil lead and dried Provence herbs. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has bold freshness and a myriad of earthy sparks, framed by ripe grainy tannins, finishing long with tons of bright, crunchy black fruit. 250 cases were made. This is my first time tasting this new project high up on Howell Mountain with winemaker Celia Welch and WOW—what an impressive start! ...A vineyard to watch