The 2008 Howell Mountain is fabulous. Blackberries, savory herbs, graphite and mint are some of the nuances that are woven together in a fabric of notable class and sheer personality. The tannins are quite firm and suggest the 2008 will require considerable patience. Readers who can wait will be treated to a superb wine.

David Abreu’s 2008 Howell Mountain is in some ways a contrast to the Dunn, but to be honest, I am quite surprised by how similar both wines are. The Abreu has more fruit intensity and sweetness through the mid-palate, but that is about it. Like the Dunn, the Abreu remains quite primary at this stage but has a very bright future. All things considered the 2008s are more similar than dissimilar, which is eye opening.