Flight Wine Company 'Thread Feathers' Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California

Dark blackberry and plum rise immediately from the glass, framed by toasted oak and a whisper of baking spice. 2023 Thread Feathers Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon reflects meticulous cellar work and small lot precision, shaped by extended maceration and long élevage in French oak. Guided by a philosophy centered on sourcing exceptional wines in limited quantities and delivering them at compelling value, this bottling speaks to a focused, quality-driven legacy.

Product Details:

• Winemaker/ Owner: Neil M. Koch
  
• Blend: 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot
  
• ABV: 14.5%
• Harvesting: Hand-harvested
  
• Fermentation: 3–5 day cold soak; 14 days fermentation with three daily pump-overs; 12 days extended maceration
  
• Malolactic Fermentation: Conducted in French oak barrels
  
• Aging: 22 months in 100% French oak, 40% new
  
• Production: Small lot, typically 100 to 500 cases

Sensory Description:

On the palate, ripe black fruits dominate with layered expressions of blackberry, dark cherry, and plum. The structure is firm and composed, with tannins that provide a confident grip and clear aging potential. Notes of dark chocolate, toasted oak, and baking spice weave through the mid-palate, adding depth and refinement. Vibrant acidity carries the wine through a long, elegant finish, balancing richness with freshness in classic mountain Cabernet style.

Winemaker's Background:

With more than 15 years across all tiers of the wine industry, Neil M. Koch has built exclusive partnerships with producers throughout California, Oregon, and Washington. His focus is on sourcing small, high-end lots and offering them at accessible pricing, often in bottlings of just 100 to 500 cases. In addition to Thread Feathers, he is also a producer and co-owner of The Dude brand, underscoring his commitment to distinctive wines crafted with intention and delivered with authenticity.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at 60–65°F in a large Bordeaux glass to allow full aromatic development. Decant for 60 minutes in youth to soften tannins and expand the wine’s layered profile. Pair with grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, rosemary-crusted lamb, or aged hard cheeses to complement the wine’s structure and depth.