Lots of blackberries, blueberries and hints of crushed stones with some almonds and nuts. Full and velvety tannins with a juicy texture and a long and flavorful finish. Shows length and polish. A blend of 93% merlot, 5% petit verdot and 2% tannat. 674 cases produced. Needs time to soften and come together. Best after 2026.
96 points, James Suckling (Nov 2023)
The 2021 Merlot, with 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Tannat in the blend, is deep garnet-purple in color. It comes out swinging with powerful notes of stewed plums, baked blueberries, and boysenberry preserves followed by nuances of underbrush, black truffle, and crushed rocks plus a hint of garrigue. The full-bodied palate delivers a bright, refreshing backbone and firm, fine-grained tannins to frame the expressive black and blue fruit layers, finishing long and earthy.
96 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent (Apr 2024)
The 2021 Merlot Howell Mountain checks in as 93% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 2% Tannat, with the levage spanning 22 months in 70% new French oak. This beauty has bright red and blue fruits as well as complex, spicy nuances of dried flowers, savory herbs, and graphite. It's rich, medium to full-bodied, has ripe tannins, and a great finish. It's concentrated, has a smoking good mid-palate, and will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age.
95+ points, Jeb Dunnuck (Dec 2023)
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