2021 Arkenstone Red Howell Mountain
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Tasting notes
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec. 22 months in French oak. Deep purple. Powdery floral character – violets and lilac – with sticky plum and a vanilla spice oak overlay. Rich plummy extract and rounded tannins. Well balanced and lengthy. (SCJ)
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Arkenstone's 2021 Howell Mountain Estate Red Blend is mainly Cabernet Sauvignon, with small proportions of Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Pine needles, bay leaves and black cherries are joined on the nose by hints of mocha and cedar, plus some redder-skinned berries. In the mouth, the wine is full-bodied, plush and creamy, combining incredible softness with ample concentration, then finishing long and seductive.
Coming all from the estate on Howell Mountain (which is farmed by the Arkenstone team), the 2021 Estate Red checks in as 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot, and 2% Malbec that was brought up in 100% new barrels for 22 months. More tight and inward, it has a deep, darker profile of black cherries, currants, smoked tobacco, lead pencil, and chocolate that takes time to unwind. Rich, full-bodied, and concentrated on the palate, it has fine, velvety tannins, flawless balance, and a great finish. This beauty deserves 4-5 years of bottle age and is another fabulous wine from Sam that will evolve for 30+ years.