Consumed over three nights, I much preferred it on night 3. On opening this showed a lot of oak and some heat. By night three, the oak had integrated, the heat mellowed and it was a delicious Napa Cabernet. This is made from a combination of Howell Mountain fruit and Rutherford Dust Vineyard Cabernet. Purple in color with some ruby at the rim, opaque and bright. The nose is initially cedar and spice, but by night 3 there is cassis, cocoa powder, some cedar and a slight saddle leather note. Full bodied. Firm tannins. Moderate acidity. On the palate, by night 3, the tannins had integrated as did the oak and this was deep and delicious. A powerful wine that should age well. It needs about five years of cellaring and should drink for twelve to fifteen after that. If opening now, don't be afraid to open a day in advance. Great on its own, at this point, it will need big food such as a steak or pot roast. Lots of upside potential here.
