Robert Craig 2018 Howell Mnt. Cuvee, Napa Valley

Robert Craig has an affinity for Napa Valley's mountain grapes. As General Manager of Hess Estate in the 80's he developed 300 acres of vineyards on Mt. Veeder. He's been making wine under his own label since the 90's and his vineyards lie on Howell Mountain on the other side of Napa Valley.

Grapes for this limited production red blend are sourced from the Candlestick Ridge Estate Vineyard on Howell Mountain. Candlestick Ridge is the northernmost vineyard in the Howell Mountain AVA and is slightly warmer than the summit ridge where the Winery Estate vineyard lies. Candlestick is influenced by warm air from Pope Valley to the east and, at its slightly lower elevation, it is protected from the constant wind that hits the ridge line. The big subsurface boulders were removed during the replanting, leaving thin tufa soil on top of a volcanic bedrock.  

The blend is 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot and 4% Malbec. 2018 was a tremendous vintage in the Napa Valley and this new red wine cuvee shows all of the deep color, structure and complexity that one might expect from Howell Mountain. The generous portion of Merlot in the wine allows for a velvet, supple mouthfeel to go with the exotic nose, but make no mistake, this is a Bordeaux Blend from Howell Mountain with the ability to improve for decades in the cellar.

Vinous just scored this 93 points saying "The 2018 Cuvée Howell Mountain is gorgeous. Best of all, it will drink well early, while the Cabernets soften in the cellar. Dark red/purplish fruit, rose petal, lavender, spice and leather all flesh out in the glass. The Cuvée marries the racy personality of the year with the character of Howell Mountain, a winning combination in my book."