Arkenstone Estate Howell Mountain 2020

95 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (The Wine Independent): "The 2020 Arkenstone Estate Red Blend only used fruit picked between the18th and 25th September, which was before the Glass fire. Due to this it is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon for the first time. The winery is underground so it protected the harvest that had already come in. It is deep garnet-purple in color and sashays out with classic notes of cassis, plum preserves, and cedar, with hints of wild sage, tar, and crushed rocks. The medium to full-bodied palate is firm and chewy with muscular black fruits and a long earthy finish. Alcohol 14.8%. Drink: 2024-2048. (4/13/23)"

94 points Wine Spectator: "[$250 list] A vibrant red, with a nice array of melted licorice, cassis and steeped plum notes mixed in with violet, iris and ink. Offers ample structure, but it's polished and well-buried, with a late tarry tug and an echo of sweet tobacco keeping everything grounded. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Best from 2026 through 2040. 650 cases made. (4/30/25)"

93.4 points CellarTracker.com community score.

93 points Jonathan Cristaldi (Decanter): "Winemaker Sam Kaplan has produced a bold, voluptuous, red-and-black-fruited Cabernet from Howell Mountain. Expressive boysenberry fruit dusted with allspice is tinged with chocolate, cedarwood, and roasted coffee beans. Full-bodied with rich, succulent dark berry fruit, blackberry compote, a tapestry of featherweight tannins coated in molten dark chocolate notes and a rush of pulverised granitic rock minerality on the finish. Utterly intriguing, growing in volume and complexity with air. Drinking Window: 2023-2030. (6/29/23)"