The 2008 The David Howell Mountain displays a mountain style with more minerality and tannin as well as a harder, more austere style. However, it is true to the Del Dotto style of opulence and extravagant richness and body. This big red needs 2-3 years of cellaring and should drink well for 15 or more years.
The charismatic David Del Dotto produces a dizzying array of world class wines from his Roman-styled villa in Napa Valley. This estate has a beautiful site on Pritchard Hill, just below Don Bryant’s Pritchard Hill Vineyard as well as Tim Mondavi’s Continuum. Somewhat confusingly, Del Dotto makes two wines called The David, the 2008 The David Napa Valley (80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Merlot) and the 2008 The David Howell Mountain (40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc). The Napa Valley cuvee sports a black label and the Howell Mountain has a red label.
Tel. (707) 963-2134; Fax (707) 963-3531