2007 Cornerstone Cellars Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

This classic is from the great 2007 vintage. A growing year so perfect it’s one of those vintages that, as they say, if you can’t make great wine in this year you never will. Powerful, yet silky smooth this wine will age into greatness, but can be enjoyed now with full flavored dishes like steaks and chops. Decanting for an hour or more will bring out the best in this great wine.

Appellation/Vineyards
This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon was grown on the east-facing slopes of Ink Grade Block, Howell Mountain, a large peak on the Eastern edge of Napa Valley.  The high elevation, 1800 to 2000 feet, where volcanic soils create great growing conditions for tiny berries full of flavor. 

Production
The Ink Grade Vineyard Block was harvested in late September in perfect conditions. All the lots were hand sorted and fermented separately. After a three day cold soak, the tanks were inoculated with selected yeasts. Extended skin contact in the fermenter helped round out the tannins, with alcoholic fermentation taking about ten days with skin contact lasting up to fifteen days. The wine was aged for 21 months in French Oak Barrels, of which 75% were new.