Frequently Asked Questions
Crafted with precision and passion, The Vice "Coyote Loser" Cabernet Sauvignon from Howell Mountain showcases the power and elegance of Napa Valley winemaking. This 100% unfiltered, un-fined Cabernet is sustainably crafted from premium, hand-selected grapes, aged for 22 months in new French oak barrels, resulting in a bold and layered wine. Expect an expressive profile of dark fruit, such as black cherry and ripe plum, complemented by earthy minerality, firm tannins, and a hint of spice. Perfectly paired with grilled meats, aged cheeses, or herb-roasted dishes, this small-production wine encapsulates the distinctive character of Howell Mountain's high-elevation vineyards, offering a luxurious, complex experience that evolves beautifully with age.
Process & Profile
Crafted from hand-selected grapes grown in Howell Mountain, Napa Valley's first sub-region, this wine benefits from the unique terroir of volcanic ash and red clay soils. These soils offer exceptional drainage, which, coupled with the high-altitude vineyards, creates a concentrated and balanced expression of Cabernet Sauvignon. Howell Mountain experiences twice the rainfall of the valley floor, yet maintains optimal grape ripening, producing wines of unmatched depth and intensity. The Vice winery's dedication to excellence ensures that each vintage captures the region's power and elegance. The "Coyote Loser" Cabernet Sauvignon is aged meticulously, likely in fine oak barrels, to integrate its tannins and develop its complex flavor profile.Tasting Notes
The Vice "Coyote Loser" unveils a bold and layered tasting experience. The wine greets the palate with dark fruit tones of blackberry paste and black plum, deepened by subtle hints of plum reduction. Layers of cedar, toasted oak, and vanilla bean offer richness and complexity, leading to a firm tannic structure. A whisper of tobacco and mocha adds savory elements that balance the fruit. The finish is notably long, lingering for minutes, ensuring every sip captivates.What Makes It Special
The Coyote Loser Cabernet Sauvignon stands out due to several unique features:- Terroir Excellence: Howell Mountain's volcanic ash and red clay soils contribute to the wine's powerful and concentrated character, setting it apart from other Napa Valley wines.
- Craftsmanship: The Vice winery's commitment to single-varietal, site-expressive winemaking ensures authenticity and quality in every bottle.
- Cellaring Potential: While ready to enjoy now, this wine boasts the structure and complexity to evolve beautifully over decades in the cellar.
How to Enjoy
To fully appreciate the depth of the Coyote Loser, follow these tips:- Serving Temperature: Serve slightly below room temperature, at 63–65°F (17–18°C), to allow the wine's aromas and flavors to bloom.
- Decanting: Aerate the wine in a decanter for 1–2 hours before serving to soften the tannins and enhance its layers of complexity.
- Food Pairings: This bold Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully with grilled ribeye steak, short ribs, or a mushroom pizza topped with Gruyère cheese. Its robust profile complements rich, umami-forward dishes, elevating the dining experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is special about The Vice Coyote Loser Cabernet Sauvignon?
The Vice Coyote Loser is a meticulously crafted single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from Howell Mountain, Napa Valley. It embodies the rich terroir of the region, offering intense dark fruit flavors, notes of crème de cassis, plums, and tobacco leaf, with a balanced structure and muscular elegance. Howell Mountain's high elevation enhances the wine's depth and complexity, resulting in a robust yet defined profile.
What are the tasting notes for The Vice Coyote Loser?
This Cabernet Sauvignon features aromas of dark berries, crème de cassis, and tobacco leaf. On the palate, expect rich waves of blackberry paste, plum reduction, cedar, and a hint of toast. It has a full-bodied structure with medium-to-high tannins and a notably long finish that lasts for minutes.
What foods pair well with this wine?
The Vice Coyote Loser pairs beautifully with hearty dishes like grilled meats and lamb. It also complements roasted turkey with fresh herbs and aged cheeses such as Gouda, Gruyere, or Manchego. Its bold flavors and tannic structure make it an excellent companion for rich, savory, or smoky dishes.
How long can The Vice Coyote Loser Cabernet Sauvignon be aged?
This wine has excellent aging potential, typical of fine Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons. Its structure and tannins allow it to be cellared for decades, during which it will develop even more complexity and depth. However, it is also ready to be enjoyed now if decanted properly.
What makes Howell Mountain unique for growing Cabernet Sauvignon?
Howell Mountain is Napa Valley's first recognized sub-appellation and is renowned for producing robust Cabernet Sauvignons. The high elevation and volcanic soils promote small, concentrated grape clusters, which result in wines with exceptional intensity, structure, and depth. The cooler temperatures also contribute to a slower ripening period, enhancing the wine's balance and refined tannins.
Does this wine need to be decanted before serving?
Yes, decanting is recommended for The Vice Coyote Loser to allow the wine to breathe and its flavors to fully open up. Decant the wine for at least 30 minutes before serving to soften the tannins and unlock its full flavor potential.
Is this wine dry or sweet?
The Vice Coyote Loser Cabernet Sauvignon is a dry wine, with minimal residual sugar. Its dryness, combined with deep fruit flavors and noticeable tannins, gives it a bold and structured character.
What alcohol content does this wine have?
The Vice Coyote Loser typically has a higher alcohol content, ranging from about 13.5% to 15%, which is standard for premium Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons.
Who produces The Vice Coyote Loser?
The Vice Coyote Loser is produced by The Vice Wine, a Napa Valley luxury wine brand known for its small-batch, hand-crafted wines. The wines are created with sustainable practices and reflect a deep passion for expressing the best of each vineyard and varietal.
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