W&S Wine & Spirits: 95 Points
2014 Howell Mountain Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon George Bravante and his team farm two parcels on Howell Mountain, the Stone Ridge Vineyard, surrounding the winery at 1,680 feet elevation, and Black Oak, higher up the mountain. This Cabernet, aged in caves carved out of the volcanic rock at Stone Ridge, has nothing overtly fruity about it: instead, the wine completely saturates the palate with its sophisticated, earthy flavors. What's arresting isi its energy, coming through in shades of light and shadow, in an explosion of volcanic intensity that feels monumental and coordinated, the power expressed as motion and dark flavor rather than heat, The liveliness and energy continuers to determine the wine's development over the course of several days, as it will if you keep it in a bottle for five years or more.
JS James Suckling: 93 Points
Impressive focus with aromas of cassis and blueberries follow through to flavors on the palate in seamless, suave style. A blend of 91% cabernet sauvignon and 9% cabernet franc.