Castiel Estate Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 – 750ml Unfiltered Unfined

95pts Tasting Panel

Made by the talented hands of winemaker Celia Welch with fruit from one of Napa Valley’s most arresting mountain AVAs, this showpiece—aged 20 months in (70% new) French oak—is still in its youth but already offers great balance and structure. Aromas of mocha, cedar, and nutmeg permeate the glass. Opulent and statuesque, it offers blue and purple berries seasoned with garden herbs. Chalky tannins become creamier as the wine opens up, while licorice, cigar leaf, balsamic, and black olive round out the focused finish.

Winemaker Notes

A product of three different Cab clones grown in volcanic soil and ancient rocks, showing mountainous flavors of black cherry, bay leaf, espresso, and plum. A luscious texture, with solid backbone, polished fruit and a seamless transition from beginning, middle, and end.
Pungent dense aromas of dark berries and dark stonefruit. Cured meats. Oak, vanilla, and touch of smoke. Bit of granite, wet earth. Pretty dry on the palate with unripened berry fruit, bitter chocolate. Medium bodied, hefty tannins. Tightly wound currently and needs rest time.

About the Winery

Inspired by Dave and Kathleen’s desire to capture time and place, Castiel Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a collaboration among nature, patient and caring human hands, and artistic excellence. It speaks clearly of its unique and extraordinary location upon Howell Mountain. It is masterfully brought to life by the talented and renowned winemaker, Celia Welch, whose deep knowledge and understanding of expressing terroir allows each vintage to showcase its unique qualities while maintaining the consistency of Howell Mountain characteristics.

Since the first vintage in 2014, attention to detail and exacting viticultural practices yield berries of ripe, delicious flavors. The grapes are harvested by hand in several passes resulting in many distinct vinifications from which to create the final blend. At the winery, clusters are gently destemmed and berries are chosen with intent by manual and sophisticated optical sorting methods. During fermentation, the wine is left on the skins until complete, and then pressed and transferred to French oak barrels to age for 18 to 22 months. Castiel Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine structured around the backbone of minerality, concentrated fruit, powerful richness and integrated tannins, the hallmark qualities of a Howell Mountain cabernet.

Winemaker : Celia Welch