97pts Vinous

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon (Howell Mountain) is another stellar wine from Robert Craig. Bright and incisive, with tons of energy, the Howell Mountain Cabernet delivers the goods, big time. A rush of inky red/purplish fruit, rose petal, lavender, menthol, spice and crushed rocks build into a crescendo of aromas and flavors that dazzles. This deep, vivid Cabernet hits all the right notes. Superb.

96pts Decanter

Richly scented with dark fruit, loamy soil, vivid violet and rose petal notes and coffee beans. Decadent mountain blueberry and mulberry fruit, with mineral underpinnings and chocolaty tannins that are firm, long and muscular. Nicely integrated with pops of wild herbs on the finish. A deliciously pleasing wine. Aged in 100% new French oak for 21 months, bottled unfined and unfiltered.

94pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

A blend of two vineyard sites, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is an assemblage of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot. Matured 18 month in French oak, it's cedary, but those shadings are balanced by attractive sage nuances set against a backdrop of ripe blueberries and cherries. Full-bodied, rich, velvety and long, it's the real deal. Best After 2024.

Winemaker Notes

Currents of lavender, cedar and rich plum run through the bouquet. On the palate, energy abounds, and tannins are ripe, round, and lovely, providing the scaffolding for copious black berry, dark plum and cassis flavors which are ultimately finely structured with depth, density and length.

Winery Notes

Robert Craig Winery showcases four Cabernet Sauvignons produced from Napa Valley mountain and hillside vineyards, including Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon from their estate vineyard, Affinity, a classic Bordeaux-style Cabernet, and powerhouse Cabernets from Mount Veeder and Spring Mountain. Each wine conveys a unique personality derived from the soils, climate and varietal characteristics of the growing region. Robert Craig has been a pioneer in mountain vineyard development for over 30 years. During the 1980s, he directed vineyard and winery development on Mount Veeder. Robert Craig wines debuted in 1992. The winery facility is located at 2300 feet atop Howell Mountain, with a Tasting Salon in Downtown Napa.