2015 Castiel Cabernet Sauvignon

Tasting Notes: The 2015 Castiel Estate Cabernet Sauvignon takes life from its ideally situated, west-facing vineyard on Howell Mountain where the soil is comprised of volcanic tuff and riddled with ancient rock. This second release displays concentrated aromas of dusty cocoa, dark raspberry, caramel and vanilla, along with an underlying foundation of the prized brambly forest floor character indicative of Howell Mountain. This youngster offers up bold and concentrated flavors of black currants and shows the complexity and intensity needed for aging, yet offers an elegant tannin structure to enjoy at release. In its youth, the wine benefits from decanting prior to serving.

Winemaker Notes:” Alluring mountain aromatics of sage, rhubarb, dusty cherry, pine duff, rooibos tea, and sweet earthy tones are tamed by more fruit-forward notes of bright red cherry, raspberry preserves, and a hint of orange zest. Broad and soft at entry, the wine shows a serious structure with plenty of tannin for aging, but a polished texture that allows accessibility in the nearterm. Fresh fruit flavors dominate the mid-palate and carry through to the finish, with a combination of cherry and toasty vanilla lingering as the wine slowly fades.”

Winemaker Celia Welch and viticulturist Jim Barbour work with pristine fruit from Howell Mountain to produce small quantities of Cabernet Sauvignon from an estate that is renowned for its soil quality and natural habitat. Castiel Estate Cabernet Sauvignon takes life from its ideally situated, west-facing vineyard on Howell Mountain where the soil is comprised of volcanic tuff and riddled with ancient rock.