Deep, bright ruby. Subtler and more obviously mineral on the nose than the regular HM release, offering scents of black fruits, bitter chocolate and licorice. Full, plush and seamless, with a compellingly suave texture to its mouthfilling flavors of dark fruits, licorice and minerals. Much plumper and sweeter than the young 2009. Finishes very long, with broad, refined tannins buffered by the wine's mid-palate stuffing. An outstanding example of Howell Mountain cabernet. This reminded me of a 2007, except that the tannins are even sweeter. Bottled unfined and unfiltered; the Howell Mountain release received a light polish filtration.

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The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain reveals a beautiful, rich blue/purple color, a layered texture, sweet cassis and blueberry notes, background minerality and light tannin. This impressively endowed, full-bodied Howell Mountain Cabernet is surprisingly approachable, but promises to evolve for 15 or more years.

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Firm, dense and concentrated, with a pleasant roasted popcorn and melted chocolate note atop the rich currant, blackberry and dark berry parade of flavors. Full-bodied, deep and persistent, with the long, lingering finish folding together nicely. Shows sufficient tannic muscle.

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I've always considered Cade Cabs to be overrated and overpriced. Not this one. We had it with bone-in ribeyes from the grill and the deep body blended extremely well with the juicy beef. Dark currants, blackberries,fig and just a touch of licorice. Very long finish. Well done.