It was 1993 when Dave Decesaris, gazed into his crystal and spied Freemark Abbey, as Mesopotamian mythology’s controller of karma and time, he saw an opportunity and slyly orchestrated a chance meeting with Kathleen. Over a tasting of fine wine. They bonded and eventually married. Years later and after a lifetime of equally serendipitous moments, Dave and Kathleen discovered a property on Howell Mountain filled with promise but in need of tender loving care. They envisioned a winegrowing estate and began restoration to return the land to its natural habitat and develop a vineyard to serve as inspiration for future vintages of Castiel Estate (pron. Cast-ee-all). They assembled a team to realize their vision, including ACE WINEMAKER Celia Welch (Scarecrow, Corra, Barbour, Keever, Rewa, etc) and ace and “guru” viticulturist Jim Barbour.
Castiel Estate 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain Napa ValleyGGWC 189.99
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Robert Parker 97 Points: After 22 months in 70% new French oak, there’s scarcely a trace of it to be found on the nose of the stunning 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon. There’s a touch of bay leaf, perhaps the slightest hints of bell pepper and pine, but also masses of cassis. Dark, dense, and sturdy, this full-bodied masterpiece is rich, round, and supple, with a long finish that leaves a lingering trail of mocha and dark chocolate that somehow avoids any sense of heaviness or excess.”
Celia Welch (Winemaker notes): “During the growing season of 2019, decent winter/spring rains followed by a relatively cool, even growing season gave the vineyards a lovely, moderate glide path into full maturity. The finished wine reflects its seasoning with the aromas of fully ripe currant, warm black cherries, and fresh sage. On the palate, the entry is fresh and bright, evolving into a mid-palate that shows density and blackberry flavors. As the wine fades, the lingering impression is of satiny tannins and juicy black cherry notes.
Winery Notes: The 2019 vintage comes entirely from the steep higher-elevation slopes of Howell Mountain. These vineyards see cooler summertime temperatures, and slightly warmer temperatures during autumn nights than the valley floor, which leads to a longer hang time with slightly higher acidity.
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