Deep garnet-purple, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon has a beguiling nose of baked blackcurrants, warm black plums and mulberries with touches of spice cake, forest floor, candied violets and dark chocolate. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is chock-full of earth-laced black fruits, with a firm, grainy frame and bags of freshness, finishing long and minerally. Impressive!

A classic, impeccably made 2017, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon (100% Howell Mountain Cabernet) offers a medium to full-bodied, elegant style that carries ripe, present tannins, notes of dried herbs, savory spices, and cigar, lots of chocolatey dark fruit, and outstanding length. Made by Celia Welch, this elegant, balanced Cabernet will benefit from 3-4 years of bottle age and keep for 15-20 years.

The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is a powerful, searing wine, even within the context of Howell Mountain. Red cherry, savory herbs, wild flowers and mineral notes emerge, but only with great reluctance. The 2017 has terrific energy, but it remains just a bit compact. If the tannins soften and the fruit emerges, it may very well merit an even more positive note. It will be interesting to see what Castiel and winemaker Celia Welch do in more favorable vintages.