Angwin Estate Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain 2011

One of the newest and beloved projects coming to us at ACME is from Jon Larson and Angela Henszel with the appropriately labeled Angwin Estate Vineyards, coming from a small two acre vineyard planted in rocky volcanic soil at an elevation of 2200 feet at the top on the eastern side of Howell Mountain. Growing up in Angwin, Jon, after years in medical school, residencies, and pursuing careers in anesthesia and surgery, all over the United States, dreamed of the day when he and Angela could return to his home on top of Howell Mountain and produce their own wine. Jon was mentored, inspired, and advised by Philip Togni who he has been in awe of his entire life (Jon went to school with Philip's daughter, Lisa) and was on a mission to produce the greatest Cabernet achievable no matter what the sacrifice and/or expense. With the help of family and friends, they planted their vineyard in 2002 with a philosophy to farm with respect for the land and the forest, growing exceptional fruit that leads to long-lived wines with an intoxicating complexity that speaks to the care taken in their growth and production and to produce wines that express a sense of place and lends itself to classic, simple winemaking. 

This 2011 is the BEST Napa Cabernet I have tasted, and in my opinion, better than most 2012's. Intoxicating floral aromas of lavender and warm sweet spice set the stage for a pleasure dome of sensations. The palate opens with bright cherry fruit that blends seamlessly with exotic spices, black fruit, cedar box, tobacco, and a hint of sweet vanilla and graphite. And while this is most certainly stunning now, it will undeniably be a classic in your cellar with age. Seductive, sensual, and enchanting. And I'll say it again, a pleasure dome. 117 cases produced.