Into neck

96 points Decanter

At the peak of its powers, the 1997 Howell Mountain is bursting with black fruit, graphite, wood smoke and hints of tar and truffle. On the palate the wine is rich, plush and generous but well balanced, with great length and depth. A certain suppleness nods to the vintage's warmth, but that's by no means unwelcome in this typically firm-framed cuvée. (WK) (10/2017)

95 points Wine Advocate

The enormous 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is a super-powerful, fabulously-concentrated, 50-year wine. Aromas and flavors of blackberry/cassis jam, minerals, and subtle oak are found in this extravagantly rich, gargantuan Cabernet Sauvignon that should age effortlessly for half a century. (RP) (12/2000)