An impressive offering is the subtly oaked 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain. Atypically rich and intense for a Pine Ridge wine, this dark purple-colored mountain Cabernet exhibits copious quantities of mineral, blackberry, and cassis aromas. Medium to full-bodied and powerful, yet elegant, it possesses an impressive mid-palate, structure, richness, and length. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2018. Tel. (800) 486-0503

Earthy and reduced on the nose, this is rich, intense, concentrated and tannic on the palate, with layers of black currant, lead pencil and cedar, ending with drying tannins. My concern is that this will dry out before the tannins subside.--1996 California Cabernet retrospective. Drink now through 2012. 1,351 cases made.??–JL??Region: California / Napa / Howell Mountain Select to Add