100
A perfect effort is the 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Keyes Vineyard from Howell Mountain. There are 524 cases of this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Its extraordinary perfume of graphite, spring flowers and creme de cassis is followed by a blockbuster red-fruited palate displaying a velvety texture, silky tannins and a 60-second finish. It is unquestionably the most profound wine I have ever tasted from Howell Mountain. Some secondary nuances are apparent, but the wine still seems like an adolescent. It is capable of another 15 years of cellaring. For my tastes, these wines are often among the greatest Bordeaux varietal-based offerings from the Jackson family. All three Cabs are produced by long-time winemaker Chris Carpenter, who also makes the wines at Cardinale. The 2003s, all 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in 100% new oak, represent true mountain vineyard Cabernets meant for long-term cellaring. Kudos to Chris Carpenter for his brilliant work.
