The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon has aged quite well, although it comes across as a bit monolithic because of its super-concentrated style. Sweet black cherry, chocolate, espresso and copious new oak abound. The 2011 is well done in this style. At the same time, though the wines belong to a time in the past when Chris Carpenter pushed extractions much more than he does today. -- Antonio Galloni

Lots of dark-fruit and tar character on the nose and palate. Full body with silky tannins and a dark-chocolate, berry and mineral undertone. A little more subdued than the 2010 but outstanding. Needs two or three years to soften: Try in 2016.

The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot aged in 90% new French oak. Winemaker Christopher Carpenter, who is resurrecting this estate to its glory days of the early nineties, has hit pay dirt with this 2011. More charming than one normally expects of a Howell Mountain Cabernet, it possesses sweet tannin, low acidity, and lots of blueberry and black currant fruit intermixed with licorice, underbrush and foresty notes. Medium-bodied and approachable, this endearing 2011 is best drunk over the next decade. - Robert Parker