The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is a total knockout. Severe frost wiped out more than 50% of the crop in a matter of a few days. As for the wine, well, it is magnificent. Dense and opulent to the core, the 2008 offers up an exotic mélange of inky dark fruit intermingled with sage, gravel, espresso, crushed rocks and menthol. Although an atypical wine for obvious reasons, the 2008 is utterly captivating. (AG)