2019 Castiel Estate Cabernet
97 Points Jeb Dunnuck
Coming from two sites on Howell Mountain, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is a brilliant effort that readers should jump on if given the chance. Classic mountain aromatics of black fruits, tobacco, chocolate, and mineral-like nuances define the bouquet, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a layered mouthfeel, plenty of tannins, and a great finish. The balance is terrific, and this will benefit from just a few years of bottle age and should have 20-25 years of overall longevity.
97 Points Wine Advocate
After 22 months in 70% new French oak, there's scarcely a trace of it to be found on the nose of the stunning 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon. There's a touch of bay leaf, perhaps the slightest hints of bell pepper and pine, but also masses of cassis. Dark, dense and sturdy, this full-bodied masterpiece is rich, round and supple, with a long finish that leaves a lingering trail of mocha and dark chocolate that somehow avoids any sense of heaviness or excess.
97 Points Wine Independent (Lisa Perotti-Brown)
The single-varietal 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon comes barreling out with powerful notes of creme de cassis, plum preserves, and sautéed herbs, leading to hints of dark chocolate, tar, and black olives. The full-bodied palate is densely packed with savory-laced black fruit preserves, supported by firm, grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long and lifted.