Robert Craig Winery showcases four Cabernet Sauvignons produced from Napa Valley mountain and hillside vineyards, including Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon from their estate vineyard, Affinity, a classic Bordeaux-style Cabernet, and powerhouse Cabernets from Mount Veeder and Spring Mountain. Each wine conveys a unique personality derived from the soils, climate and varietal characteristics of the growing region. Robert Craig has been a pioneer in mountain vineyard development for over 30 years. During the 1980s, he directed vineyard and winery development on Mount Veeder. Robert Craig wines debuted in 1992. The winery facility is located at 2300 feet atop Howell Mountain, with a Tasting Salon in Downtown Napa.

This Merlot is perhaps the wine that expresses the nature of Howell Mountain more than any other wine in the Craig portfolio. It is estate grown and estate bottled. Sourced primarily from their Candlestick Ridge Vineyard along the summit of Howell Mountain it also includes Merlot from Block 3 on our Winery Estate Vineyard. They actually use some Cabernet Sauvignon from more elegant lots to soften this wine as it can be a bruiser at the outset. 

Tasting Notes: Despite its size and gravitas, the Howell Mountain Merlot has a lushness and supple quality that make it a joy to drink even while young, though cellaring will improve the wine for the foreseeable future. Deep cassis, blackberry, iron, lead pencil and Howell Mountain stones exude from the nose and expand on the palate.

Varietal: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc

Region: Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California