O'Shaughnessy Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

96 points - limited                          A blockbuster small-production Napa Cabernet from Howell Mountain - very limited. 95 Points James Suckling: "Sitting on the edge of reduction with finely tuned, dark-fruit aromas of black olives, currants, graphite, cured meats, coffee beans and earth. The palate is full-bodied with a plush, refined mouthfeel and a long finish that remains fresh and balanced. A well-made Napa cabernet from a warm vintage. Drink or hold." 94 Points Robert Parker: "Sourced from the family's estate vineyard, the O'Shaughnessy 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is a blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot, 3% Saint-Macaire, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Carmenère. Aged two years in 60% new French oak, it features hints of graham crackers on the nose, alongside gently pine needle-like herbal nuances and more straightforward notes of blueberries and plums. It's full-bodied—weighing in at 15.2% alcohol—and concentrated but also plush and softly tannic, with a long finish and no trace of heat." 95 points Jonathan Cristaldi (Decanter): "Such an artfully crafted wine that is expressive of its Napa Valley character in its ripe and succulent red, black, and blue-toned youthful fruits and brawny power, backed by a kind of dizzying freshness brought on by a spine of racy, tangy, blood orange acidity and lifted violet notes. Iron, volcanic minerals, tilled earth, and fragrant herbs further accentuate Howell Mountain muscle. Soaring robust tannins are compact and superfine. Blackberry fruit, crème de cassis, and black currants all make appearances nuanced by conifer, tobacco leaf, and dark cacao. A blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 4% Malbec, 4% Petit Verdot, 2% Carmenere, and 2% St. Macaire is harvested from O'Shaughnessy's 48.5ha hillside estate on Howell Mountain. The winemaker is Sean Capiaux. The wine was aged 24 months in French oak and another year in bottle prior to release. Drinking Window: 2024-2040. (6/26/24)" Nestled on a 120-acre hillside, the O'Shaughnessy estate vineyard has matured over 20 years. With 29 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon and 6 acres of historic blending varietals, the vines thrive in three distinct vineyards: the Amphitheater, Rancho Del Oso, and Osprey's Nest. The 2019 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon is a stunning example, boasting flawless balance, elegance, and textbook Howell Mountain characteristics of blue fruit, cassis, violets, and graphite, with a remarkable purity of fruit and a great finish.

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