2018 Pina Cabernet 1882 Grant, Howell Mountain

Piña is best known for the family's work in vineyard management, but they also have a small wine business located along the Silverado Trail. The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon 1882 Grant is sourced from their own vineyard on Howell Mountain and spent a whopping 32 months in 60% new French oak, under the watchful eye of winemaker Anna Monticelli (Stack House, No Brainer, et al.). Slightly minty, with some slightly herbal nuances, it delivers plenty of cherries, cassis and raspberries on the nose, while the palate is full-bodied, dense and intensely flavored but not overly textural. It's not oaky-tasting at all, testament to its concentrated fruit, finishing silky and long.