Higher Education 2016 The Ph.D. Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain Napa Valley

Higher Education 2016 “The Ph.D.” Cabernet Sauvignon is a commanding yet elegantly proportioned expression of Howell Mountain power. It marries the intense, volcanic minerality and ripe dark fruit typical of this esteemed AVA with refined structure and complexity. Plush tannins, layered depth, and a long, resonant finish make it both thrilling to enjoy now and compelling to age.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Produced in Napa Valley’s famed Howell Mountain AVA, “The Ph.D.” is crafted from grapes grown at high elevation on volcanic soils that impart unique mineral drive and structural intensity. With a focus on site expression and meticulous winemaking, Higher Education consistently aims for wines that are both deeply flavorful and ageworthy.

Key elements of this release include:

• Terroir-Driven Fruit: Howell Mountain’s rugged volcanic soils and cool mountain climate produce thick-skinned grapes with concentrated flavors and firm tannin profiles.

• Traditional Fermentation: Warm, controlled fermentations extract rich color and texture without harshness.

• Extended Oak Aging: Matured in French oak barrels (with a percentage of new oak) to integrate spice, structural support, and complexity, allowing the fruit to remain vibrant rather than masked.

• Attention to Balance: Careful blending and barrel selection ensure that the wine delivers power without losing harmony or finesse.

Critics Reviews & Scores

Professional reviewers have celebrated the 2016 Ph.D. as one of Higher Education’s most impressive wines to date, citing concentrated fruit, structural integrity, and classic Howell Mountain character. Scores often referenced among critics include:

• High praise in the mid-90s range across major wine publications and reviewers, highlighting the wine’s richness, depth, and polished tannins.

• Many critics have described the 2016 vintage as “outstanding” for Howell Mountain Cabernets, with scores in the high 90s for its balance of power and finesse.

• Review commentary often notes the combination of blackcurrant fruit, graphite depth, cedar spice, and velvety yet firm tannins — elements that consistently garner strong professional acclaim.

While specific numbers vary slightly by reviewer, the consensus situates this release as a top-tier 2016 Napa Cabernet, frequently seen earning 96–98 point equivalent praise among professional tasters.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Rich aromas of black currant, blackberry, and dark plum open first, layered with graphite, cedar box, dusty earth, and tobacco leaf. Subtle floral lift — violet and rose petal — adds intrigue, while a hint of clove and warm spice unfolds with air.

Palate:
Full-bodied and powerful, yet finely calibrated. Concentrated dark fruit — cassis, black cherry, and blueberry — is woven with toasted oak, dark chocolate, espresso, and mineral graphite. The tannins are firm but refined, bringing structure without astringency, and there’s a compelling interplay of ripe fruit and volcanic earth tones.

Finish:
Long, lingering, and structured. Flavors of black fruit, cedar spice, toasted oak, and mineral salinity taper into a sophisticated close with persistent tension and refined backbone. The finish leaves an impression of depth and longevity.

Quick Overview