94 Points - Wine Enthusiast
2006 Duckhorn Vineyards Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
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The unique climate and soils on Howell Mountain are the key to the appellation’s success in producing powerful, age-worthy wines. Duckhorn Vineyards has sourced grapes from this distinctive region for more than a quarter century and has crafted a Howell Mountain bottling since 1989. Over the years, we have increased our commitment to this appellation with the purchase of two spectacular vineyards, Candlestick Ridge (28 acres) and Stout Ranch (36 acres). To encourage further complexity, we bottle-age this wine a year longer than our other wines prior to release. As a result, our Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon offers excellent structure and deep color. This wine is suitable for long-term cellaring.
Wine Enthusiast
94
Wine Profile
Production Notes
Varietal Content: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot; Cooperage: 100% French oak château-style barrels (60 Gallons); Age of Barrels: 80% New, 20% Second Vintage
Winemaker Notes
Crafted around a core of older vine fruit from our Stout Vineyard, there is an unmistakable wildness to this wine, with wild berry layers supported by earthy undertones, fresh herb layers of mint, eucalyptus and sage, and an oak-inspired note of coconut macaroon. A study in power and restraint, this mountain-grown wine is broad and lush on the palate, with a big, yet elegant, finish.
Production
The 2006 growing season was marked by a very mild summer with a mid-July heat spike that accelerated ripening. Mild temperatures continued throughout the fall allowing for a moderately paced harvest. The long growing season brought complex and intense flavor and aroma development.
Other Notes
Released: September 2010
Wine Specs
Wine Specs
Vintage
2006
Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation
Howell Mountain
Harvest Date
September 8 - October 31, 2006
Sugar
28.6° Brix
Acid
0.66 g/100ml titratable acidity
pH
3.56
Aging
20 Months in Barrel
Bottling Date
July 2008
Alcohol %
14.5
Wine Enthusiast
94
Product Reviews
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@gordosarbak
(Dec 6, 2012 at 3:30 PM)
Big gorgeous sweet berry, mineral, forest complexity with long plummy aftertaste followed with cleansing acidity and smooth tannins considering it's Howell Mt heritage. Another winner. Can't wait to try Petite Verdot. Pairs well with T-Bone.
Martin Savard
(Dec 5, 2015 at 5:18 PM)
One of our favorite wines !