Michael James ‘Beatty Ranch’ Howell Mountain Cabernet (2014)

Only 150 cases produced!

As so often, the 2014 vintage here is even more beautiful, more graceful and with more breed, than even the stellar 2013 and 2012 were. The winery says:

What a streak. The 2014 vintage is the third straight exceptional vintage for Napa Valley and Howell Mountain. Budbreak arrived around the first of April which began a year of steady, consistent weather without heat spikes. The warm days and cool nights allowed the fruit to ripen steadily while preserving a balance of sweetness and acidity. The ideal spring conditions made for optimal fruit set and the consistent temperatures made for another ideal growing season. 

Aromas of dark berries and red cherry, mixed with an array of spices and pencil lead coupled with a deft touch of barrel oak. A well-rounded finish with supple tannins. The finish is long with secondary aromas of coffee and baking spices typical of past vintage

This rare Cabernet, by the way, is from the oldest block of Cabernet vines at Beatty Ranch, over 40 years, some of the oldest Cabernet on Howell Mountain. Naturally, they produce a Cabernet that can stand up to any on Howell Mountain.