2018 Oshaughnessy Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

93 Points, James Suckling,  "Blue flowers and fruit on the nose, as well as licorice, tea leaf and dark chocolate. It’s medium-bodied with firm, tight tannins and fresh acidity. A distinct, saline streak cuts through the dark fruit. Try from 2023." 01/21

94 Points, Matthew Luczy, Decanter: "A unique blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 5% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot, and 2% each of Saint Macaire, Carmenere, and Cabernet Franc. Charred wood, pipe tobacco and black cherries on the nose. Texturally, the most focused and persistent of the O’Shaughnessy Cabernets. The palate is both generous and nimble, showing substantially chewy, textbook Howell Mountain tannins. A rustic Cabernet housed in a contemporary core." 10/20

The vines from our steeply terraced, Betty's Vineyard, struggle for nourishment and moisture consistently producing clusters with small berries and intense flavors. Wines from this vineyard have been highly acclaimed through the media since our first vintage in 2002, for their power and elegance. Aromatically, we love the lavender and violet tones emanating from this property. We acquired this property in 2000 and farm only 17 acres on this remote 55-acre estate.

This Cabernet Sauvignon captures the essence of the year with its radiant fruit and bouquet of vanilla bean, baking spices, and fresh tobacco leaf. The flavors are bright and focused with gorgeous layers of confit plum, blackberry jam and hibiscus. This expansive Cabernet Sauvignon finishes with flavors of smoked cherry wood and smooth integrated tannins