2020 Auctioneer Howell Mountain Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
- 92 Wine Enthusiast: juicy, rich, generous with blackberry and spice.
- Howell Mountain site: private vineyard, intense fruit and structure.
- Clear value: $55 market/reference aligned, now at $29.
- Profile: blackberry, raspberry, mixed spices, cocoa notes.
- Structure: plush tannins, persistent finish, balanced oak.
- Best serve: decant 45–60 min, 60–65°F.
Howell Mountain delivers some of Napa's most intense Cabernets, thanks to its elevation and volcanic soils. This 2020 Reserve comes from a private vineyard there, capturing that power in a balanced, expressive package.
Wine Enthusiast awarded it 92 points, calling it “juicy, rich and generous” with flavors of blackberry, raspberry, mixed spices, and freshly cracked black pepper, plus cocoa and chocolate notes on a persistent finish.
The wine shows the classic Howell Mountain traits: bold fruit matched by refined structure from 20 months in French oak. It's fruit-forward yet serious, with plush tannins that promise evolution over 5–10 years in cellar.
Benchmarks are straightforward: $55 average market on Wine-Searcher and aligned reference pricing. At $29, it offers exceptional access to this pedigree without compromise on quality or origin.
This is Cabernet with place, proof, and presence. Grab some for current enjoyment or lay down a few for rewarding maturity ahead.
