2017 Dark Matter Cabernet Sauvignon ‘Limitless’ Howell Mountain

2017 was a humble reminder we are at the beckon call of the most powerful variable in farming – Mother Nature. Initially graced with a near perfect growing season complete with early spring rains, timely bud break, consistent afternoon warmth, and cool evenings and nights, it ended with one of the most dramatic and intense harvests we had seen to date. What we had not anticipated were the wildfires that raged through the North and South ends of our beautiful valley. While nearly 90% of the 2017 fruit was already picked and put to bed, much of the valley’s mountain fruit still remained on the vines. We were very fortunate that a combination of our high vineyard elevation, situated at 1,700 feet, and the micro-climates on Howell Mountain, kept the smoke below the famous fog-line and kept our properties in blue skies sparing us from the influence of smoke taint and fires.

The resulting 2017 rivals many of our other vintages offering an aromatic cabernet with intense notes of blackberry, boysenberry, and ripened raspberry with vast hints of clove, nutmeg, tobacco leaf, freshly rolled cigars, freshly ground coffee beans, hazelnut, and cocoa. The explosive expression includes floral notes of lavender, roses, and yellow flowers reminiscent of spring. On the palate, this massive and full-bodied cabernet, once decanted a couple hours, has present tannins that cloak the entire mouth, yet remain velvety and true to Howell Mountain. The tannins are complimented with bright acidity, notes of blackberry, blueberry, boysenberry and hints of black tea leaf, clove, coffee beans, and cacao. 

 “Easily one of the longest finishes I have crafted, each sip has me craving more. Its concentration is out of this world, deep, rich, and very well integrated.  It tastes like a 100% Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon.”
Angelina Mondavi

200 Cases Produced