Castiel Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain 2018

Scarecrow. Yount Ridge. Corra. Barbour. Keever. These are just a few of the extraordinary wines that the lovely Celia Welch is responsible for and we never tire of singing her praises! With over 25 years of making stunning and coveted wines in the Napa Valley with unending acclaim and her established inclusion into the elite group of cult winemakers of the world, Celia doesn’t have to or need to take on any new projects. In fact, when she took on the project of Scarecrow in 2003, she already had her plate full with consulting projects. But when Bret Lopez and Mimi DeBlasio approached her with the project, she swiftly agreed after realizing the parcel of vines in question and agreed to take the job knowing what she could do with that vineyard would be epic. How preordained that decision was, as shortly after the first few vintages of Scarecrow were released, she and the wine were sent into a stratosphere of cult status and recognition that few winemakers have ever reached. 

So to say that Celia knows something good when she sees it is an understatement. Celia will only take on projects from vineyards she believes whole-heartedly will produce outstanding fruit to make wine that expresses its individual site and terroir. In 2014, she did just that when she was asked to work with a vineyard on Howell Mountain managed by vineyard manager, Jim Barbour. Castiel Estate, owned by Dave and Kathleen Dicesaris, is an ideally situated, west-facing vineyard on Howell Mountain where the soil is comprised of volcanic tuff and riddled with ancient rock formed over three million years ago. Elevation and aspect here provides cooler temperatures yet longer periods of sunshine allowing grapes to ripen slowly, concentrating phenolics and complexities. Keeping with her lavish, velvety style of rich Cabernets, Celia has again produced a powerhouse of a wine. 

100% Cabernet Sauvignon, clones 15 and 191. Aged for 20 months in 70% new French Oak. The 2018 Cabernet shows aromas of ripe berry, plum, anise and cocoa. Hints of bay and black tea provide a savory depth. Broad and satin in texture, the palate has a strong sense of density contrasted by bright and lifted acidity. Celia’s touch is pure magic, and we are blown away by this exquisite wine! Only 382 cases produced.