ADAMVS Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain 2018

Howell Mountain has an allure that draws the most acute wine connoisseurs to its rugged mountainsides. Its ability to stand out amongst other AVAs in the valley is palpable – perhaps that’s why it was the first sub-AVA within the greater Napa Valley to be determined back in 1983. Among the many that have found themselves caught in the magnetic field of this particular growing region are Denise and Stephen Adams. They discovered their idyllic ADAMVS property in 2008. They saw the perfect convergence of geology and geography in its mosaic of five vineyard sites, iron-rich soils, ideal elevations, and diversity of vineyard exposures.

One must visit the Estate to grasp the integrity and excellence permeating through all they do. Their vineyards span multiple rolling hills tucked within the Vaca range, offering unique exposure and soil types. Howell Mountain is known for four prominent soil types – clay loam, silt loam, grey volcanic ash, and red iron-rich volcanic soils. The ADAMVS estate boasts all four and has glass vessels of each soil type in their tasting room to show just how unique the color, texture, and smell of each truly are. Their vineyards are farmed biodynamically with the assistance of their flock of sheep and resident donkeys, Buttercup and McGee. Renowned winemaker Philippe Melka has worked with the Adams family since their first vintage in 2010. Now entering his 13th harvest with the family, Philippe has learned how to harness the power of their vineyard sites and produce age-worthy Cabernets that are quietly and subtly working their way into the tightly woven history of Napa Valley. This brand has only just begun.

Once again, as we limbo through the year that would present the release of the 2020s, ACME has the pleasure of offering an exceptional back vintage. ADAMVS' Estate Cabernet is a wine made in such small quantities that it is rarely offered outside of the tasting room. 2018 saw plentiful rainfall in February, which set the stage for a robust vintage. A mild Summer and moderate Fall followed, resulting in what industry leaders have described as “a chef’s kiss of a vintage.” The Estate is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grown in the highest elevation blocks in red, lava-derived, Aiken series soils. An ethereal nose – as complex as the soils – is exuberant with fresh bramble, sage, cigar box, rhubarb, raw cacao, and ferrous earth. The mouthfeel is dense and voluptuous, like crushed velvet soaked in blackberry juice. A firm structure and lively freshness balance this extraordinary volume. Drink now well-decanted, or watch this wine unfold over many, many decades to come.