We were getting close to the end for an organized wine tasting at The Fine Wine Source in Livonia, Michigan featuring the wines of Roger Louer of Roberts + Rogers Winery.  Even though, there was blocks of time for groups for tasting, some came early, some stayed later and I am sure that some really didn’t even have an appointment.  It was an event, and Roger has become a favorite of the store.

The last of the Cabs that we tasted was the Roberts + Rogers Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain 2018.  Howell Mountain is one of the most prestigious sub appellations of Napa Valley.  To give you an idea of how important it is, the Napa Valley appellation was awarded in 1981 (and only the second appellation in the country) and the first sub-appellation was Howell Mountain in 1984.  While there is no Howell Mountain peak, the name is derived from Howell Mountain Township which sits above the fog line of 1,400 feet above sea level, and to have the designation, the vineyards must also be above this mark on the Vaca mountain range.  The soil is volcanic, and most of it is iron-rich clay.  This wine was aged for two years in new French Oak.  My words cannot do justice, as I am always tongue tied with Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon wines, as they are always the best examples of what this varietal can achieve.  A deep garnet-purple wine with notes of black fruit and spice.  On the palate tones of rich black cherry and berry with vanilla, and secondary tones of leather, rich tannins and a great long finish of fruit and terroir.  A true expression of a California Cab.

We ended the tasting with a Roberts + Rogers Zinfandel, Old Vine, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County 2019.  Dry Creek Valley AVA is in Sonoma County and is considered one of the best terroirs in California for Zinfandel.  Dry Creek Valley is about sixteen miles long and the valley floor has a cooler climate compared to the hillsides.  This wine was aged for eighteen months in French Oak.  This was another Zinfandel that really made me happy, as it was not a big jammy wine, I thought it was almost elegant, with that nice spiciness and a chewy wine with a delightful finish.  A delightful way to spend an hour or so, in the afternoon, and I am glad that they load the car for you, with the cases.