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In 1988, Mike Beatty and another prominent Howell Mountain vineyard owner started Howell Mountain Vineyards to produce their own wines and showcase their grapes. The focus was on producing quality in the field with minimal intervention winemaking in order to showcase the unique characteristics of this distinctive appellation. That philosophy hasn’t changed over the years and with winemaker Bryan Kane overseeing the process, Howell Mountain Vineyards keeps producing world-class wines.
Howell Mountain Vineyards 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Howell Mt. – Napa Valley
Price: 70-75
Tasting Notes:
Fragrances of currants, blackberries, and boysenberries mingle with suggestions of dark chocolate, earth, and olive on the nose. A sip reveals flavors of baked currants and bramble fruit that open up into coffee, earth, and herbaceous notes. Not as fruit-driven as most California Cabs, the wine delivers dark fruit and supple tannins that make it ideal for aging. 222 cases produced.
Rating: 90
Howell Mountain Vineyards 2011 Old Vine Zinfandel
Grape(s): 100% Zinfandel
Region: Howell Mt. – Napa Valley
Price: 40-45
Tasting Notes:
Aromas of blackberries, boysenberries, and cherries interweave with hints of vanilla and spice on the nose. Black cherry, bramble fruit, and currant flavors unfold into notes of cola, anise, and cardamon on the palate. A dark Zin, with silky tannins, it’s light and approachable, yet offers some interesting layers. 200 cases were made.
Rating: 89
Howell Mountain Vineyards 2011 Petite Verdot
Grape(s): 100% Petite Verdot
Region: Howell Mt. – Napa Valley
Price: N/A
Tasting Notes:
A bouquet of cherries, currants, earth, and baker’s chocolate greets the senses. Flavors of currant, cherry, and blackberry meld with notes of baking spice, dark chocolate, and earth on the palate. Lively and bright with good structure, it will pair nicely with your favorite lamb dish. 100 cases produced.
Rating: 90
