2016 Robert Craig Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain Napa Valley

JD93-95 Tasted as a barrel sample, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is another pure, elegant, classic wine from this estate. Blueberries, tobacco leaf, forest floor and underbrush notes all emerge from this medium to full-bodied beauty that has ripe tannin, notable freshness, and again, awesome purity of fruit.
VIN94 The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon (Howell Mountain) is going to need at least a few years to come into its own, as the tannins are pretty fierce at this stage. Tightly wound and packed, the 2016 is full of energy. Raspberry jam, iron, dried flowers red flowers, mint and white pepper all help give the 2016 a decidedly high-toned profile, but it is the wine’s energy and sense of drive that stand out most.
Estate Notes: Black cherry, rich, vibrant, crushed stone, graphite, high toned floral and violet, firm structure, concentrated and classic. 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot. 8 months in French oak, 80% new and 20% 2nd yr. Unfiltered & unfined. 1800 cases produced.