2006 True Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
(includes 2.5% each cabernet franc and merlot) Good bright medium ruby. Musky, ripe, complex aromas of plum syrup, smoke, licorice, tobacco leaf and chocolate, all lifted by a strong rocky element. Suave on entry, then silky, perfumed and vibrant in the middle palate, with black fruit flavors lifted by a wet stone minerality and a floral element. Wonderfully silky and sophisticated wine, finishing with very suave tannins. From a vineyard planted on pure fractured rock at an altitude of 1,800 feet.
Critic scores
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Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
From a 9-acre parcel, the full-bodied 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon True Vineyard includes some Cabernet Franc and Merlot in the blend. It reveals a floral cocktail-like bouquet intermixed with lead pencil shavings, blue and black fruits, good freshness, and laser-like focus. A powerful, rich, layered effort, it ranks a few notches above their regular offering. It should evolve for two decades. This beautiful 40-acre estate (19 of which are under vine) high on Howell Mountain enjoys a sensational view of Napa Valley and the Mayacamas Mountains to the west. The renowned Thomas Brown is the winemaker. There are only around 300+ cases of the Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon and significantly less of the single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon True Vineyard. Tel. (707) 965-1718; Fax (707) 965-1761
(this wine may eventually include bits of cabernet franc, merlot and malbec) Good medium ruby. Primary, reticent but pure aromas of crushed cassis and spice, with some resiny, minerally high tones. Juicy and penetrating, with a stony delicacy to the sharply delineated flavors of cassis, minerals, flowers and spices. Bright acids and firm tannins really extend the wine's flavors. This is all natural acidity, notes winemaker Thomas Brown. Very long and perfumed on the aftertaste.