A polished, beautifully concentrated, and boldly structured full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa’s epic 2023 vintage, crafted by Maayan Koschitzky, the Screaming Eagle alum. The voluptuous tannins are sweetly spiced, positively gorgeous, and impressively integrated, especially given the intensity typical of high-elevation fruit. Aromatics are striking and refined, offering pretty anise notes, sagebrush, and pulverised graphite. The palate is full-bodied, layered with ripe cassis and black cherry, nuances of pressed wildflowers, underscored by elegant cedarwood accents. Castiel is owned by Dave and Kathleen DiCesaris and is sourced from two sites on Howell Mountain: one on the northern reaches of the AVA rooted in volcanic soils, the other in the heart of the appellation near Angwin with deeper soils. The wine is aged for 22 months in 80% new French oak from a mix of Bordeaux cooperages.

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. It comes rolling out of the glass with bold notes of crème de cassis and juicy black plums, followed by hints of chocolate mint, violets, and licorice. The full-bodied palate is dense with rich black fruit and fragrant floral accents, framed by firm, grainy tannins and a lively line, finishing long and perfumed. Stunning.

All from two sites on Howell Mountain, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain reveals a mix of red, blue, and black fruits along with foresty, piney herbs, violets, and bouquet garni notes. It's deep and full-bodied, has a focused mouthfeel, building tannins, and integrated acidity that give it a serious, age-worthy feel. Based on Cabernet Sauvignon and aged 22 months in barrels, it's just another sensational effort from this vintage that deserves 7-8 years of bottle age and will be a 30+ year wine. Drink 2032-2058.

(96+ points) Castiel Estate's 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain was selected from multiple blocks of the owner's own west-facing vineyard, with plantings dating back to the 1990s. It's classic Howell Mountain in profile, with notes of black cherries and blueberries, plus compelling hints of pine, sage and violets. Full-bodied and supple, it's almost creamy and lush in feel but also tannic, turning richly velvety on the finish.