Abreu Vineyards Howell Mountain 2009 750ml

Abreu's Howell Mountain is a Cabernet-led red from David Abreu, one of Napa's most sought-after vineyard managers. From 2011 the wine was renamed Las Posadas, after the ranch that grows it, so the 2009 is one of the last under this name.

The vineyard covers about 18 acres at about 2,000 feet, above the fog line, on red Aiken soil over white tufa; Abreu bought it in 2000. Brad Grimes is the long-time winemaker. Abreu co-ferments, picking varieties together when they ripen on the same day. The cuvée is about two-thirds Cabernet Sauvignon, with Cabernet Franc and Merlot, and the 2009 adds a touch of Malbec. It's 14.5% alcohol.

Critics describe blue and black fruit, smoke, tar, incense and licorice, with graphite and mulberry.

For a collector, this is a cult Napa name from one of the valley's top growers. For a younger Howell Mountain wine, see Cakebread Dancing Bear Ranch.

Serve it around 60°F, and decant it off its sediment.

It's also listed with our fine and rare wine, and the rest of our Cabernet Sauvignon is a click away. Pick it up at our Brooklyn store or get same-day delivery across NYC.