Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain has an incredibly evocative nose of crème de cassis, plum preserves and fresh wild blueberries with touches of chocolate mints, tilled soil, yeast extract, chargrill and scorched earth. Medium to full-bodied, it fills the mouth with fresh, crunchy black fruit, framed by firm, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long with bags of energy.

Massive and extremely tannic, this is one to buy, cellar and wait for, as the austerity and structure need time to ease their grip. Earth, chewy dried dark berry and herb flavors make up the core. Best from 2023 through 2034.