2021 Pilcrow ‘Granite Lake’ Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain

WSI95 TWI97+ Deep garnet-purple in color, the single-varietal 2021 Granite Lake Cabernet Sauvignon rockets out with a firework display of ripe blackberries, mulberries, and warm cassis opening out to an undercurrent of tapenade, cardamom, and garrigue plus a waft of star anise. The medium-bodied palate is completely coated with ripe black berry and earthy layers supported by very firm yet ripe tannins and beautiful tension, finishing with lots of long-lasting savory sparks. This is like sipping a beautiful mountainside forest. It comes from a single vineyard on Howell Mountain at an elevation of 2,097 feet and was aged 22 months in French barriques, 30% new. 235 cases were made.
Estate Notes: Granite Lake does not just reside in the Howell Mountain AVA, it is on the ridgeline of the mountain itself. The soils are dusty, red, rich in iron and volcanic debris deposited during the valley’s turbulent, secondary eruptions. Combining this low-vigor soil, 10% slope, and 2,097 feet of elevation gives you a darn good recipe for a classically-styled Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon.
The wine reflects this terroir construct with approachable but firm tannins paired with low pH and savory acidity. It is our wine with the most power and ballast. Sitting above the fog line adds a sense of warm, red fruits (think: raspberry, strawberry and plum) that is balanced with a sense of charcoal, red rose, rainwater-minerality, and herb.