Karo Kann Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2014 | Howell Mountain Cab for $35

Deep, purple-black to the rim, the Karo Kann Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2014 shows its mountain roots early and often. The spicy nose bursts from the glass with sumptuous black-fruit accented by white pepper, clove, and eucalyptus. Juicy and plush on the attack, full-bodied but light on its feet, showing blackberry, plum, and cassis on the palate. Karo Kann Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2014 is fresh and pure, with well-integrated oak throughout. Long and structured on the finish, with silky smooth tannins. Approachable now, but with enough mountain stuffing to age gracefully for 10-15 years in a cool cellar.

A special vineyard

On the eastern face of Howell Mountain is a site that was first planted in the late 19th century.  Rather after some of the region’s viticultural pioneers recognized it for its unique microclimate. The parcel’s volcanic soils provide a naturally stressful environment for Cabernet Sauvignon.  Hence, resulting in thick-skinned, immensely concentrated, complex, and BB-sized berries. The vineyard’s elevation above the fog line is equally crucial, allowing for a slow, prolonged ripening period, and thus a purity of fruit almost impossible to achieve on the valley floor.

Red Wine Gems under $35

The Karo Kann Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2014 hails from one of the greatest sites on the mountain—one we are obligated to keep hush-hush, but that happened to turn out some truly impeccable fruit that shines through in every sip of this deep and dark mountain beauty. Tons of dark fruit, well-integrated oak, and finely woven tannins make this a Cabernet that stands tall among Howell Mountain’s best and will be a welcome addition to any California Cab-lover’s cellar.

Don’t ask how | Just enjoy

So how did we end up with a handful of select barrels of brilliantly complex mountain Cab from Wine Spectator’s “dream” vintage?  While yields may have been down from the bumper crops of 2012 and 2013, the 2014 vintage saw a booming harvest. Wineries were already stuffed to the gills and there was simply too much Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon produced for wineries to sell it all.  Especially after Parker’s barrage of 95-pointers sent prices soaring.

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So by offering a single, discreet call resulted in first dibs on some outstanding Cabernet. Suffice it to say, the winery wouldn’t have to make another. We put cash on those barrels. And then commissioned one of the most respected enologists in the valley to oversee racking, filtering, and bottling.  S0 the results were nothing short of incredible. A 2014 mountain Cabernet that stands with the stars of the vintage.