Abreu Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain, 2008

Abreu is one of the most revered names in Napa, and their Howell Mountain bottling shows why. This is Cabernet with altitude and attitude—grown on volcanic soils, farmed to perfection, and built with long-term vision. And in a vintage like 2008, you get all the power and structure, wrapped in fine detail. At 15+ years in, the wine is finally showing its depth. Blackcurrant, blackberry compote, graphite, cedar, and crushed rock form the core, with hints of tobacco, cocoa, and dried sage rounding things out. The tannins are still firm, but they’ve started to polish, giving the wine a long, commanding finish without a hard edge. David Abreu’s vineyard work is legendary, and this bottle is a showcase for both site and precision. Howell Mountain brings the grip and minerality; Abreu adds the finesse and balance. The result? A Cabernet that’s both muscular and sophisticated, and still has plenty of time ahead of it. Perfect for cellaring another 5–10 years—or decant now and pair with a se