With each exceptional vintage we explore a specific sub-appellation in the Napa Valley and showcase its uniqueness, finesse, and power. For the 2016 vintage, we focused on Howell Mountain, specifically a vineyard located at one of its highest elevations. These wines champion the balanced expression of Howell Mountain, where smooth structured tannins, excellent natural acidity, and layered complexity add sophistication to the intensity of the mountain fruit. Each was aged in French Oak Barrels for two years and then spent one year in the bottle before release. This wine is sold in a gorgeous wood box that contains one of each of the unique blends and allows the customer to enjoy something incredibly delicious, amazingly unique, and extremely rare. An excellent gift for recent grads, educators, wine aficionados who love to learn about different wines and microsites. 

THE PH.D.  Robert Parker 97 Points The 2016 Ph.D. is the pinnacle of our reserve wine series. It is 90% Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Napa Valley Malbec. This is a muscular wine that others a bounty of both fruit and earth driven aromatics. Bursts of black currant and blackberry fruit leap from the glass. Notes of chocolate, graphite, and wild fruit layer themselves together seamlessly. Cocoa and hits of oak grace the palate as tiers of rich, exotic flavors unfold, providing a satisfying backbone. 24 months in French oak. 160 cases produced.

THE VALEDICTORIAN  The 2016 Valedictorian is a fantastic blend of 85% Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Napa Valley Malbec and 5 % Napa Valley Merlot. Deep, brooding flavors of preserved plum and blackberry pie are accented perfectly with hints of cedar and mocha. Layers of minerality, graphite, and wild berries make this a rich and full-bodied wine. A splash of Merlot provides a satin-like finish. 77 cases produced.

THE GRADUATE  The 2016 Graduate is always a favorite in our blending sessions. It others seductive aromas of wild fruits, cassis and warm blackberry pie that invites you in for more. Hints of freshly shaved chocolate, pencil shavings, and ripe fruit compote mesh well with soft, robust tannins that provide for a mouthwatering finish. 90% Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Napa Valley Malbec, 5% Napa Valley Merlot. 74 cases produced.

THE SCHOLAR  The 2016 Scholar is a wonderful wine that begins our reserve wine series. It is a beautifully crafted wine that bursts from the glass with intense black cherry, currant liquor, mocha, and crushed violets. Concentrated flavors of exotic spice and roasted sage pair amazingly well with tiers of freshly crushed black and blue fruits. The small touches of Merlot provide just the right amount of grace and softness to create refined tannins and a long lasting finish. 95% Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Napa Valley Merlot, 2% Napa Valley Malbec. 71 cases produced.

James Suckling 92 Points "Lovely aromas of blackberries, pine needles, wet earth and hints of vanilla. Full body. Round and creamy. 95% cabernet sauvignon with malbec and merlot. Drink or hold."