|
Howell
Mountain Vineyards was acquired in 2005 by Rutherford
Bench LLC, which is owned by the Chow Family. The
Howell Mountain Vineyards brand was originally established
in 1988 to handcraft limited releases of Zinfandel
and Cabernet Sauvignon from the Beatty Ranch and Black
Sears vineyards in Napa Valley’s renowned Howell
Mountain region. From their elevations of over 1,800
feet, Howell Mountain grapes are known to produce
exceptionally bold, full-bodied and rich wines.
HOWELL
MOUNTAIN
Howell
Mountain is located northeast of St. Helena, above
the Silverado Trail, with the Napa Valley to the west
and Pope Valley to the east. With its high elevations,
the mountain avoids the influence of fog that blankets
the valley floor beneath, creating a climate that
is cooler than most of Napa Valley during the day,
but warmer at night. Because of this, Howell Mountain
grapes have a character distinct from those grown
on the Napa Valley floor, and have led to the region
being recognized in 1983 as Napa Valley's first sub-appellation.
The
appellation encompasses around 14,000 acres, yet only
600 acres are planted due, in part, to the rugged
nature of the region. The soils of this area are mostly
well-drained tuff and volcanic rock. Water retention
is poor, producing vines with low vigor and deep roots.
These conditions are ideal for growing grapes that
are small, tightly clustered and powerfully concentrated,
for intense fruit flavors in the wines. In addition,
the grapes develop thick skins that yield rich tannins.
Tannins are important in the production of good red
wines as they provide flavor, structure, and texture.
THE
VINEYARDS
At
an elevation of over 1800 feet, the Beatty Ranch has
the oldest Zinfandel vines on Howell Mountain. Planted
on 2m x 2m spacing with head trained vines, the vineyard
is carefully cultivated using minimal chemicals and
no irrigation and has produced top quality Zinfandel
fruit for over 80 vintages. The Beatty Ranch consists
of 18 acres of Zinfandel and 14 acres of Cabernet
Sauvignon.
The
Black Sears Vineyard, situated 2400 feet above the
Napa Valley, is one of the highest vineyards in Napa
County. Its vines were planted with budwood from the
Hayne Vineyard in St. Helena, and are also head trained
and dry farmed. The Black Sears Vineyard uses only
organic cultivation practices, and its low-yielding
vines create fruit that is fully mature and ripe.
The Black Sears Vineyard has 20 acres of Zinfandel
 .
ZINFANDEL
2005
Beatty Ranch Zinfandel - NEW RELEASE
Planted at the beginning of the twentieth century,
the Beatty Ranch produces some of Napa Valley’s
best Zinfandel. The 2005 vintage is darker and richer
than recent vintages, and is medium deep ruby, with
ripe berry and plum aromas supported by underpinnings
of roasted chestnut and vanilla. On the palate, the
wine fills the mouth with intense fruit flavors which
lead to complex tones of espresso, cocoa and exotic
spices. Excellent structure, typical of mountain fruit,
and sustained concentration make for a long, pleasing
finish. 895 cases produced.
2005
Bear & Lion Zinfandel
This year Howell Mountain Vineyards, in response to
consumer demand, sought out mature Zinfandel vineyards
in Napa Valley to blend with its Beatty Ranch and
Black Sears Vineyard fruit. Renamed Bear & Lion,
after the black bear and mountain lion that appear
on the label (and sometimes in the vineyards), this
Old Vine bottling combines the best characteristics
of mountain fruit and grapes from lowland terraces.
The
wine itself is a brilliant medium ruby. Ripe, meaty
and dark, it is the most intense Old Vine in years.
Scents of cherry, spiced plum and clarified butter
are supported by a deeper core of jammy fruit. On
the palate, the wine is rich and concentrated, with
chocolate and chestnut flavors and a long, smooth
textured finish. It’s wonderful now, but will
continue to gain complexity in the bottle. 2500 cases
produced.
CABERNET
SAUVIGNON
2003
Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
Our 2003 Howell Mountain Cabernet is a blend of fruit
from the Beatty Ranch and the Black Sears Vineyard,
among the oldest vineyards in the appellation. The
Beatty Ranch is known for its rich, concentrated Cabernet
fruit flavors, while the Black Sears brings exotic
spice and richness to the blend. In the glass, the
wine is a dark, warm ruby, with the fragrance of violet
and vanilla. The nose quickly opens to aromas of ripe,
spicy fruit and savory roasts. On the palate are juicy
and penetrating flavors of baked cherries, cinnamon
and toasted oakwood. Perfectly balanced, with moderate
acidity, medium full body and pleasant grainy texture,
this is a classic mountain Cabernet. 511 cases produced.
CHARDONNAY
2005
HMV Chardonnay
Howell Mountain Vineyards selected two vineyards at
the southern end of Napa Valley to produce the fruit
for its 2005 HMV Chardonnay, one in Carneros, and
the other on Green Island. The two properties share
the cooling fog and breezes that come inland from
nearby San Pablo Bay. Together they combine the best
characteristics of cool-climate Chardonnay. We fermented
and aged the wine in traditional Burgundy barrels.
Our
2005 HMV Chardonnay is a brilliant pale yellow. Ripe
and toasty, it has scents of honeysuckle and spiced
peaches that slowly develop complexity. On the palate,
the wine is lush and concentrated, with lingering
honey and spice flavors and a long oak-infused finish.
Enjoy now! 600 cases produced.
|
