Arkenstone - Howell Mountain Estate Red 2019

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Arkenstone Description

Overlooking St. Helena, high up on the western ridge of Howell Mountain, with amazing, sweeping views looking down over the Napa Valley to the South, Spring Mountain to the West, the wild, forested Bell Canyon to the North, and Mount St. Helena beyond, Arkenstone is a panoramic perch.

The 13-acre Estate vineyard is planted primarily to traditional Bordeaux varietals, split into 22 separate blocks. Rootstocks, clones and varietals were carefully selected to match the widely varied soils, slopes and exposures found on the Arkenstone Estate. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc make up the majority of the plantings, in addition to a very small amount of Syrah. The vines are planted on slopes that range from a 2% incline on the flattest blocks to 50% grade on the steepest. Arkenstone exclusively uses organic practices in the vineyards.

The Howell Mountain AVA sits above the fog in the peak growing season during our summer months. As the fog hunkers down on the Valley floor, up here in the sunshine we have more hours of photosynthesis during our daylight hours. This, along with the altitude and a dry, temperate, climate give us, simply put, perfect growing days.

Jeb Dunnuck: 99 Points

The 2019 Estate Red is another magical wine from winemaker Sam Kaplan. Based on 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot, and the rest Merlot and Malbec, all from the estate on Howell Mountain, it offers up a dense purple hue to go with stunningly pure cassis and darker currant fruits, full-bodied richness, ultra-fine tannins, and a complex, nuanced style in its leafy herbs, flowers, scorched earth, and classy oak aromas and flavors. It’s brilliant any way you look at it. Hide bottles for 4-5 years, count yourself lucky, and enjoy over the following three decades.

Wine Advocate: 97+ Points

The 2019 Howell Mountain Estate Red Blend is composed of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot, 4% Merlot and 2% Malbec. Deep garnet-purple in color, it bursts with bold notions of crème de cassis, baked black plums and tilled soil, plus hints of bay leaves, charcoal and unsmoked cigars. Full-bodied, rich and layered in the mouth, it has lots of earthy and savory nuances with a firm and grainy texture, finishing on a lingering black truffle note. Rating: 97+

Wine Enthusiast: 97 Points

This mountain grown blend of Bordeaux varieties, mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, offers power with polish. Massive but fine-grained tannins saturate a rich palate of black currants, blueberries and dark chocolate, giving the structure for aging. While tempting now for its suave texture and rich flavors, the wine will gain even more complexity and smoothness from 2028-2040. Cellar Selection