Moone-Tsai 2017 Howell Mountain Hillside Blend Red Wine

750 ml, 780 cases made, 55% Merlot; 39% Cabernet Sauvignon; 6% Petite Sirah.

"A blend of two sites on Howell Mountain, the 2017 Howell Mountain Hillside Blend aged 22 months in 70% new oak. . . . Very deep garnet-purple colored, it gives up youthful notes of crushed blackberries, warm cassis and blueberry pie with hints of star anise, cedar chest, pencil lead and tapenade plus a waft of Marmite toast. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a solid structure of firm, ripe, grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long with a provocative mineral edge. 780 cases produced." Robert Parker 92-94 Points

"After inspecting the wine’s deep ruby hues, one is quickly drawn to its alluring aromatics of bold mountain fruit, redolent with black cherry, plum and hints of earth and savory sage. The attack does not demur, expounding with notes of crushed blackberries, cassis, graphite, cedar and baking spices in an arcing narrative that announces the fabled story of Howell Mountain itself, from which the rich history and great traditions of Napa Valley winemaking originate. Aged 22 months in 42% new French Oak, the wine divulges a delicious dialectic of depth, density, and dimension; striking, and strident upon introduction; knowingly forthright with grainy tannins through the mid-palate, only to finish satisfyingly in wizened and soulful repose. While comparisons may be made between artisan winemaking and the care applied to establishing a well patinaed leather jacket (Steve McQueen’s favorite Belstaff Racer; or Marlon Brando’s Schott One Perfecto made famous in The Wild One), one cannot help but hear the incomparable Joe Walsh beckoning us with his oft-touted refrain*, …customarily offered in concert with a toast made to fine friends and family over a thoughtfully prepared meal, tasty wines and easy conversation:

I go to parties sometimes until four
It's hard to leave when you can't find the door
It's tough to handle this fortune and fame
Everybody's so different, I haven't changed

They say I'm lazy but it takes all my time
(Everybody say oh yeah, oh yeah)
I keep on goin' guess I'll never know why
*Life's been good to me so far

The grapes that made this wine were grown in an east-facing hillside Howell Mountain vineyard perched 2100 feet above the Napa Valley floor, located just outside the Rancho. The terraced vineyard is planted on an extreme slope, producing thick-skinned clusters capable of creating a wine with intensity, structure, elegance, and weight.