Robert Craig Howell Mountain Cuvee

Robert Craig Howell Mountain Cuvée is a highly structured, vibrant, and expressive Bordeaux-style red blend that brilliantly serves as an accessible introduction to the rugged power of Napa Valley's high-altitude terroir. Sourced primarily from the young vines of the estate's organically farmed Candlestick Ridge Vineyard, which sits along the northern summit of Howell Mountain at an elevation of 2,250 feet, this wine thrives in lean, white volcanic tufa soils. In the glass, it presents a deep dark ruby and purplish hue. The aromatic nose opens with intense notes of wild, thorny vine fruits, deep cassis, and black cherry pie, beautifully accented by mountain-grown complexities of fresh lavender, wild sage, cedar, crushed red rock, and lead pencil. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, dense, and supple, offering an early-drinking framework that marries approachable, velvety textures with Howell Mountain's signature gravitas. A concentrated core of dark chocolate-covered blackberry and juicy plum fruit is supported by a solid spine of fine-grained tannins and a bright, refreshing line of natural acidity, finishing with outstanding length and a lingering touch of savory spice.

Food Pairing: Pairs beautifully with rosemary-crusted roasted lamb chops, slow-braised wild boar stew, thick-cut grilled ribeye steak, wood-fired mushroom pizza, and mature aged Gouda cheese.