Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon doesn’t get any more sexy and opulent than the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Ark Vineyard, which is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon brought up in new French oak. A massive, opulent wine by any measure, it reveals a deep purple color as well as an insane bouquet of blueberries, cassis, white truffle, forest floor, and Asian spices. These all carry to a perfectly balanced wine that has the extroverted character of the 2007 vintage yet stays perfectly balanced, has a pure, layered, multi-dimensional texture, sweet tannins, and a finish that just won’t quit. This Napa Valley masterpiece is drinking brilliant now at age 12 and will unquestionably keep for another two decades or more.

The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Ark Vineyard is medium garnet colored and comes bounding out of the glass with exuberant Chinese five spice, dried rose petals, candied violets and cast iron pan scents over a core of kirsch, cassis and blackberry compote with mincemeat pie and tilled soil nuances. The palate is full-bodied, rich, achingly plush and completely packed with nuanced black fruits, delivering wonderfully satiny tannins and freshness throughout the epically long, exquisitely poised finish. Pure class. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

A firm band of tannins is wrapped around a chewy core of flavors that extend from green olive and herb to mineral, graphite and dried berry flavors. No disputing its muscular profile and chewy tannins, but there's also a wealth of dense flavors to enjoy down the line. Best from 2012 through 2022. 900 cases made. — JL