On another level, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon True Vineyard is 100% Howell Mountain Cabernet that spent 20 months in 80% new French oak. The best blocks of this vineyard suffered due to the heat in the vintage, so this includes more fruit from the deeper soils, hence the wine is more plush and forward, yet no less impressive, and has tons of ripe dark fruit, dark chocolate, roasted herbs, and underbrush-like aromas and flavors. With full-bodied richness, a powerful, mouthfilling texture, and sweet tannins, it’s a brilliant 2017 I’d be thrilled to have in the cellar. Drink bottles any time over the coming 20+ years.

The deep purple-black colored 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon True Vineyard is a barrel sample, sourced from the nine-acre True Vineyard up on Howell Mountain and produced from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. It is to be matured for 20 months in French oak, 90% new. It positively leaps from the glass with warm cassis, blackberry pie and blueberry preserves notions, backed up by touches of fried herbs, scorched earth and cigar box. Full, firm and taut, with a lovely line of freshness plus loads of savory accents, it finishes with great length and loads of layers. Just over 500 cases will be made.

The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon True Vineyard is bold and brooding in feel. A rush of dark chocolate, lavender, cloves, graphite and menthol gives this potent Howell Mountain Cabernet its brooding personality. Readers will find a rich, heady wine loaded with complexity and nuance.