The 2009 Proprietary Red Howell Mountain wraps around the palate with masses of blue and black fruit, smoke, tar, incense and licorice. A dense, resonant wine, the 2009 stands out for its extraordinarily vivid fruit and equally compelling personality. This is pure Howell Mountain at its very best. With time in the glass the 2009 opens up beautifully. There is more than enough fruit to fill out the wine's huge, broad-shouldered frame. The 2009 Howell Mountain is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 12% Petit Verdot and 8% Merlot. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2034. - Antonio Galloni 12/2012
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