2017 Moone-Tsai Hillside Blend Howell Mountain
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A blend of 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2017 Howell Mountain Hillside Blend comes from one of the highest elevation sites on the mountain (it faces east) and was aged in close to 70% new French oak for a full two years. It has plenty of mountain fruit structure as well as medium to full body, notes of black cherries, currants, graphite, chocolate, and scorched earth, terrific balance, and the straight, focused, tight style of the vintage.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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The 2017 Howell Mountain Hillside Blend emerges from an east-facing hillside Howell Mountain site. Cedar, sweet tobacco, spice and mint give the 2017 lovely aromatic top notes to play off the wine's natural richness and concentration. The Hillside Blend is the most perfumed and gracious of these three rich 2017 Napa Valley reds.
A blend of two sites on Howell Mountain, the 2017 Howell Mountain Hillside Blend aged 22 months in 70% new oak and is made up of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. Very deep garnet-purple colored, it gives up youthful notes of crushed blackberries, warm cassis and blueberry pie with hints of star anise, cedar chest, pencil lead and tapenade plus a waft of Marmite toast. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a solid structure of firm, ripe, grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long with a provocative mineral edge. 800 cases produced.
The 2017 Hillside Blend is dark anf ample, with tremendous fruit density and pure power. Black cherry blackberry, graphite and bittersweet chocolate infuse this potent, virile Howell Mountain Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend. The 2017 is rich and sensual, with terrific balance and plenty of promise.