Frequently Asked Questions
Unveil the essence of Napa Valley with the O'shaughnessy Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain, a masterful expression of mountain-grown excellence. Delivering a symphony of bold flavors, this wine captivates with luscious notes of black cherry, plum butter, and mixed berries, complemented by a touch of smoked cherry wood. Crafted by acclaimed winemaker Sean Capiaux, this Cabernet showcases Howell Mountain's signature intensity, with concentrated fruit, fine-grained tannins, and a robust structure perfect for aging. Its deep ruby hue and complex bouquet of ripe fruit and subtle oak harmonize beautifully, making it an exquisite choice for any wine connoisseur. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for years, the O'shaughnessy Howell Mountain Cabernet embodies sophistication and the unparalleled character of its volcanic terroir.
Process & Profile
The O'Shaughnessy Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon is a masterful representation of the rugged yet elegant Howell Mountain terroir. Perched at an elevation of 1,800 feet within Napa Valley, this wine benefits from volcanic soils, cooler nights, and warm days, allowing the grapes to develop intense flavors. The winemaking process includes meticulous hand-harvesting, fermentation in a combination of oak, stainless steel, and concrete tanks, and a prolonged aging period of 26 months in French oak barrels. This meticulous craftsmanship preserves its natural complexity, creating a wine with vibrant acidity, refined tannins, and a multi-layered profile.Tasting Notes
This Cabernet Sauvignon bursts with flavors and aromas that captivate the senses. Expect an expressive bouquet of dark fruits like blackberries, blueberries, and cassis, complemented by herbal hints of sage and bay leaves. On the palate, luscious notes of cherry, plum butter, and raspberry preserves unfold, harmonized with chocolate, tobacco leaf, and cedar. The wine's full body and balanced tannins create a strikingly plush texture, followed by a long, velvety finish with echoes of vanilla and mocha.What Makes It Special
- Howell Mountain Terroir: Grown at high altitudes, the vines experience unique temperature fluctuations that foster a striking balance of sugar and acidity, resulting in wine with exceptional depth and aging potential.
- Artisanal Winemaking: Under the precise care of winemaker Sean Capiaux, the grapes are fermented naturally and the wine is bottled without fining or filtration, ensuring purity and authenticity.
- Award-Winning Heritage: The 2019 vintage has garnered critical acclaim, with scores of 94 to 98 points from leading wine reviewers who praised its complex flavors and age-worthiness.
- Sustainable Practices: The winery employs environmentally conscious techniques, showcasing a commitment to both quality and sustainability.
How to Enjoy
- Pairings: The rich profile of this Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully with hearty dishes like grilled lamb, steak with peppercorn sauce, or mushroom risotto. For cheese lovers, consider pairing it with aged cheddar or gouda.
- Serving: Best served at 60-65°F (16-18°C) to enhance its aromas and texture.
- Cellaring: While approachable now, this wine truly shines with age. Lay it down for a decade or more to allow its tannins to soften and its flavors to evolve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the tasting notes of the O'Shaughnessy Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2021?
This wine features rich and complex aromas of blackberry compote, orange blossom, cassis, crème brûlée, and cocoa. On the palate, it delivers a plush, concentrated texture with well-integrated tannins and a vibrant finish. It showcases ripe red, blue, and black fruits with hints of volcanic minerals, dark cacao, and herbal accents like tobacco leaf and sage.
What grape varieties are used in this wine?
The 2021 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon is primarily composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, blended with 5% Merlot, 4% Malbec, 4% Petit Verdot, 2% Carménère, and 2% Saint-Macaire. This blend enhances its depth and complexity while staying true to its Howell Mountain origins.
What is the aging potential of this wine?
Thanks to its robust structure, high tannins, and balanced acidity, this wine has excellent aging potential. It can be enjoyed now for its lush fruitiness or aged for decades to develop further nuance and complexity.
What distinguishes Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon from other Napa Valley Cabernets?
Howell Mountain's terroir adds a unique character to this Cabernet Sauvignon, featuring firm tannins, bright acidity, and concentrated flavors of black and dark fruits. The volcanic soils and high altitude contribute to its powerful structure and distinct minerality, setting it apart from valley-floor counterparts.
What is the alcohol content of the 2021 vintage?
The alcohol by volume (ABV) of the 2021 O'Shaughnessy Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon is 14.8%, which is typical for a full-bodied Napa Valley wine.
Does this wine need to be decanted before serving?
Decanting this Cabernet Sauvignon is highly recommended to soften its tannins and allow the wine to fully open up, revealing its complex aromas and flavors. A decanting time of at least 30 minutes is ideal.
What foods pair well with O'Shaughnessy Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon?
This wine pairs wonderfully with hearty meat dishes such as grilled steak, lamb, and braised short ribs. It also complements rich cheeses, roasted vegetables, and chocolate-based desserts, enhancing its vibrant fruit and earthy notes.
How should I store this wine?
To preserve its quality, store the wine in a cool, dark place with a consistent temperature around 55°F (13°C) and moderate humidity. If aging it long-term, ensure the bottle remains on its side to keep the cork moist.
Is this wine sustainably produced?
Yes, the O'Shaughnessy Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon is made with sustainable farming practices, reflecting the winery's commitment to quality and environmental stewardship.
What makes this wine suitable for aging?
The wine's high tannin levels, medium-to-high acidity, and oak aging provide it with exceptional structure and balance, ensuring it improves with time. Aromas and flavors, such as blackcurrant, tobacco, and graphite, will evolve, becoming more integrated and nuanced.
Who is the winemaker behind this wine?
The O'Shaughnessy Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted by renowned winemaker Sean Capiaux, celebrated for his skill in creating sophisticated and balanced wines that emphasize the unique characteristics of their terroir.
Unfortunately, we're unable to ship to PO Boxes and APO addresses.
Adult signature (21+) required upon delivery.
You may also like
Recently viewed
