2021 Flora Springs Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

Layers of blue/black fruit - wild blackberry, black cherry, dark plum – interlaced with notes of wild herb and forest floor that advertise the wine’s mountain origins. The fruit at the wine’s core continues to unspool in a warm, generous palate that is expertly balanced with just the right amount of natural acidity. Accents of roasted coffee beans, creamy vanilla and brown spice add layers of interest and complexity. This is a ripe, powerful Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, with firm but fleshy tannins that frame the abundant fruit. Promises long-term aging potential.

Napa Valley, Howell Mountain AVA

Growing fruit on Howell Mountain comes with its challenges; the grapes are typically late-ripening and the tannins can be overwhelming. But as winemaker Enrico Bertoz experimented, he identified a wine from one of the highest elevation sites in the AVA that met his criteria, a beautifully expressive mountain Cabernet.

Immediately after harvesting, the grapes for our 2021 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon were given a 3-day cold soak to extract color, tannin and flavor prior to fermentation. The juice fermented in small stainless steel tanks where it was pumped over twice a day. Fermentation lasted 17 days. The wine was transferred to 100% new French oak barrels where it aged for twenty months. It was racked once and bottled unfined and unfiltered.

The 2021 vintage in Napa Valley was smooth and uneventful, producing low yields of intensely flavored, tightly sized grape clusters. Bud break for our Cabernet Sauvignon occurred in late March. The ensuing dry, even weather resulted in a natural crop load on the vines, and the flavor-packed grapes led to powerful, concentrated wines.

Our Halo Cabernet Sauvignons are extremely limited production wines and are from the most distinguished sites in Napa Valley. These wines are first offered exclusively to members of our Preferred Palate Wine Club. As one of our most coveted allocations, these wines rarely make it beyond the club. To experience these site-driven expressions of Napa Valley at their debut, we invite you to explore membership and discover what it means to be part of the inner circle, learn more.