Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain 2014 750ml

Powerful and still youthful, the 2014 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon from Cliff Lede Vineyards captures the volcanic soils and pine-forested slopes high above the Napa Valley floor. Cliff Lede is based in the Stags Leap District but bottles this Cabernet from Howell Mountain, a mountain appellation known for firm tannins and longevity. The 2014 vintage, the third straight drought year, brought an early harvest and concentrated fruit. Winemaker Christopher Tynan describes forest-floor aromas with dark chocolate, iron, incense and juniper, followed by blackberry, cassis, black licorice, fresh mint, lavender and clove. Decant it well before serving; it should keep improving through the early 2030s.