2018 Castiel Howell Mountain Cabernet

2018 Castiel Howell Mountain Cabernet

2018 Castiel Howell Mountain Cabernet The 2018 Castiel Cabernet comes entirely from the steep, higher-elevation slopes of Howell Mountain AVA, which is perched on the eastern edge of Napa Valley. These vineyards see cooler summertime high temperatures, and slightly warmer temperatures during autumn nights than the valley floor, which leads to a longer hang-time with slightly higher acidity. Over the course of an entire growing season, the small daily differences become profoundly manifested in the flavor and structure of the resulting wine.

The 2018 Castiel Cabernet Sauvignon shows aromas of ripe berry, plum, spice anise and cocoa, with just a hint of bay and black tea providing depth. At entry, the structure of the wine is broad and satiny with a strong sense of vanilla and dark oak flavors and complexity. The finish is solid with medium-grained tannins that will clearly provide longevity. Bright berry flavors longer as the flavors slowly melt away.

100% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 20 months in 70% new French oak. 382 cases produced.

This wine blew me away! I am huge fan of the great Cabernet’s made on Howell Mountain. These are some of the greatest Cabs in the world. This Cab is on a par with likes of Dunn, Abreu and Lokoya. Superbly muscular and opulent, the wine is made by the dream team of Jim Barbour who manages the vineyards and Celia Welch who makes the wine. Jim Barbour is a legend, he is responsible for maintaining (and planting) some of Napa’s most fabulous vineyards, including Blankiet, Fantesca, Grace Family, and Hundred Acre. Celia Welch is one of the greatest Cabernet winemakers in the world today she makes wines for Barbour’s namesake label, Staglin, Scarecrow, Kelly Fleming, and her own label, Corra. These are 100pt Cabs, as good as it gets. Only 382 cases were made of the 2018 Castiel Howell Mountain Cabernet. This is a smart buy, wine are taking off. 2018 is a great Napa Vintage, Parker’s WA has given the vintage a massive 96pts. The vintage got 99 pts by the Wine Spectator which equals the highest rating they have ever given a Napa vintage. The wine is getting massive press, 95+pts Parker in 2016 and 2017, 97pts Parker in 2019. Like many top wineries 2018 was not tasted because of Covid. I tasted all four vintages and 2018 is as good as Cab gets. All vintages are sold out at the Winery. A legend is born!