2011 Eagle Summit Vineyard Howell Mt. Cabernet Sauvignon
The Eagle Summit Vineyard, owned by the Doty family, was the first vineyard that Josh replanted upon his return to the Napa Valley. It was replanted in 2000 to Cabernet Sauvignon with two different rootstock and clonal selections. The soil is composed of well drained Aiken loam and is comprised of a mix of rich red soil and classic Howell Mountain rocks. There is the use of a permanent cover crop to help dry down spring soils and promote smaller, concentrated fruit. The vineyard is situated at an elevation of 2100 feet and is slightly rolling. Eagle Summit is one of those vineyards that year after year performs consistently and offers up the highest quality of fruit with very little manipulation.
“The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Eagle Summit Vineyard (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) is one of the finest 2011 Cabernets I have tasted. Boasting Thomas Brown as its winemaker, this is a great example of just how successful Howell Mountain was in 2011. The color is an opaque purple and the wine is rich, broad, authoritative, full-bodied, pure and ageworthy, yet accessible. One of the stars of the vintage, it should keep for 12-15 years.”
94 points ~ Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate