APPEARANCE inky dark red with hints of garnet
AROMAS & FLAVORS a bowl full of wild blueberries, blackberry liqueur, soft floral aromas, hints of herbs
PALATE black fruits, lilacs and sage, structured and complex with gripping tannins that stand up to, and balance, the other bold elements of this wine
FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS
With its bold style, concentrated fruit and prominent tannins, this wine needs richer, full dishes to compliment it. Experiment with grilled ribeye, BBQ brisket, roasted rack of lamb, spicy sausage and red sauce pasta. Pair with hard and/or aged cheeses such as Stilton, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Manchego and Cheddar.
PRODUCTION
100 cases
ALCOHOL
14.5%
AGING POTENTIAL
Enjoy over the next 2-5 years
ABOUT THE VINEYARD
The best place on earth just “above the fog”. -Howell Mountain Vintners & Growers Association
Howell Mountain, positioned well above the valley floor, is generally sunny and cool, with warmer evening temperatures and cooler daytime temps. While it sees almost twice as much rainfall as the valley, the soil is typically dry due to its rocky, porous conditions which provide adequate drainage and less accumulation. The AVA’s primary soil types include “tufa”, or decomposed volcanic ash, and a high iron content red clay soil. Both nutrient poor, they cause stress on the vines, leading to more intense wines of smaller berry clusters.
WINEMAKER NOTES
- 2013 was one of the best Napa vintages in recent history.
- The winemaking philosophy is one of minimal intervention, taking full advantage of the distinctive terroir and the natural factors that make the Howell Mountain Appellation so unique.
- Minimal use of fine French oak barrels is utilized to support the wine and not to distract from the unique Howell Mountain characteristics.
- Old-world winemaking methods are used: native yeast, natural secondary fermentation, minimal racking, no fining or filtering.
NO TASTING EVENTS AT THIS TIME.
