2003 Highlands Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

[Pete Nice]

We had this one Saturday night with some thick cut Delmonico's, bought at the market in the morning and grilled in the evening.

So, I have mentioned before about the Pennsylvania state controlled liquor stores, or as I call them, the Nazi Stores. They actually did something right for once. This bottle sells for around $70. Even on the internet, the cheapest listing I could find was $50. PA bought it in bulk, and was selling it for $20 a bottle, so I got one. I am going to get a case this week. This wine was great. I am not really a California wine guy, but I have nothing bad to say about this wine, except that it was all gone too fast. Wine Spectator rated it a 91 I believe.

Here is a brief description:

Beatty Ranch was picked on October 27. The grapes arrived fully ripe and full of flavor. This Cabernet has a solid core of wild berry red fruit, blackberry, mulberry and raspberry. There are notes of jalapeño pepper and green and black olive. The '03 is balanced across the palate. The perception is simply fruit forward with excellent tannin structure. The vintage of 2003 has yielded many great wines, this is one of them. It has that extra depth of complexity that makes it classic Howell Mountain.

If you live in PA, get to the closest state superstore and get at least a bottle. Can't lose for the $20. If you are out of state, try it anyway at $50, it's worth it.