The dark ruby/purple-colored 1995 Cabernet Franc Howell Mountain offers a complex nose of herbs, earth, black fruits, and spicy wood. Medium-bodied, round, and velvety-textured, this attractive wine needs to be consumed during its first decade of life. The single vineyard Cabernet Francs from Howell Mountain are aged in 100% new French oak, which has been soaked up nicely. They are charming, softer, less extracted offering than the single vineyard Merlots or Cabernet Sauvignons. Nevertheless, they are not wimpish wines. Tel. (707) 963-7115; Fax (707) 963-1735