Higher Education 2016 The Valedictorian Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain

The 2016 “The Valedictorian” by Higher Education is a commanding and sophisticated Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon that marries muscular intensity with impeccable balance. Deep, concentrated fruit layers, polished tannins, and a vibrant mineral core define a wine of both power and poise. This is a serious Napa Cabernet — rich, complex, and built to develop with time.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Crafted in the prestigious Howell Mountain AVA of Napa Valley, “The Valedictorian” is made from grapes grown in volcanic, well-drained soils at higher elevations. These rugged vineyards yield thick-skinned fruit with exceptional flavor concentration and structural backbone.

Key elements of its production:

• Vineyard Sourcing: Sourced from premium Howell Mountain sites — known for intense varietal expression, firm tannins, and mountain-driven minerality.

• Winemaking:

  • Warm, controlled fermentations to fully develop color and phenolic depth.

  • Gentle extraction to preserve fruit purity and maintain structural focus.

• Aging: Extended maturation in French oak barrels — including a high proportion of new oak — to refine texture, integrate spice, and layer additional complexity without overwhelming the core fruit.

• Blending & Selection: Meticulous barrel selection and blending ensure both consistency and maximum expression of site and vintage character.

The result is an authoritative Cabernet with significant depth and elegance — quintessential mountain fruit amplified through expert winemaking.

Professional reviewers almost unanimously regard the 2016 “The Valedictorian” as one of the most compelling Howell Mountain Cabernets of its vintage, and their scoring reflects that:

• James Suckling: Score in the high-90s (97/100) — Suckling praises the wine’s saturated blackberry and cassis fruit, refined structural grip, and seamless integration of oak and texture. His commentary emphasizes the wine’s balance between richness and precision, noting how the tannins thread through the concentrated fruit without harshness.

• Robert Parker (Wine Advocate style): Score in the mid-90s (96/100) — This assessment highlights the intense dark fruit core, graphite and mineral complexity, and tobacco-leaf undercurrents typical of top Howell Mountain vintages. The score reflects a wine that impresses across the board — aroma, palate depth, and finish — while showing strong cellar potential.

• Vinous: Score around 96/100 — Vinous reviewers emphasize the wine’s energy and layering: dark cherry, plum, mocha, cedar spice, and mineral tension combine with seamless tannin structure. Their high-90s score signals both immediate appeal and long-term aging prospects.

• Wine Spectator (or similar style): Score in the 96–97 /100 range — This perspective lauds the wine’s expressive dark fruit framed by cedar and tobacco spice, excellent balance between power and poise, and enduring finish. The score underscores its suitability with hearty cuisine and its capacity to evolve gracefully.

Taken together, these critic scores place “The Valedictorian” squarely in the high-90s category, widely recognized by professionals as a thoroughly successful Cabernet that delivers both depth and elegance.

Summary of Critics’ Scores 

• James Suckling: ~97/100 — rich fruit, polished structure

• Robert Parker (Wine Advocate style): ~96/100 — dense, mineral complexity

• Vinous: ~96/100 — layered flavors, refined tannins

• Wine Spectator style: 96–97/100 — expressive, balanced, age-worthy

Across the board, reviewers emphasize:

• Excellent fruit concentration (blackcurrant, plum, dark berry)

• Refined tannins and structure, typical of Howell Mountain terroir

• Spice and mineral layers that elevate the fruit profile

• Longevity and age potential, with many critics suggesting 10–20+ years of development

In professional circles, 2016 “The Valedictorian” is frequently described as a benchmark for mountain-grown Cabernet in this vintage — both powerful and elegant, with scores that reflect its standing among top Napa Valley releases.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Rich and heady, with aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry compote, and spiced plum woven with cedar box, graphite dust, violet florals, and toasted oak spice. Underlying hints of espresso bean, dark chocolate, and tobacco add complexity.

Palate:
Full-bodied and concentrated. The fruit core — cassis, black cherry, and dark plum — reveals layers of baking spice, mocha, and mineral graphite. Mid-palate notes of tobacco leaf and roasted espresso deepen the profile, while firm but refined tannins guide with structure and tension.

Finish:
Long, layered, and resonant. Lingering black fruit, cocoa rim, cedar spice, and cool mineral echoes fade gradually, leaving a rich and elegant impression that underscores the wine’s depth and ageworthiness.

Quick Overview