2 Hits from Howell Mountain

Diane and I enjoying Ladera Vineyards

My latest visit to Napa included a trip up to Howell Mountain.  I had not driven up in that direction in the past and am glad that I made the beautiful trip to taste some amazing wine and enjoy the views.

Howell Mountain is one of the 15 AVAs that comprise the Napa Valley.  Each AVA has its own micro-climate.  Howell Mountain is in the northeast side of Napa Valley. Elevations range from 600 – 2200 ft with most vineyards located above the fog line. Howell Mountain enjoys a lot of sun, but cooler days and warmer night due to its location above the valley floor.

Ladera Vineyards Pre-Prohobition facility

The appellation is best known for age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon.  All of the wine that I tasted was unique and distinctive to the AVA.  However, my two picks are not Cabernets.

2009 Ladera Sauvignon Blanc – 100% Howell Mountain.

Sauvignon Blanc is one of my favorite varietals, especially as the weather gets warm.  Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc tends to be a bit too acidic for my taste so I was pleasantly surprised by this Howell Mountain wine.  The wine is light in color and smells of apple and melon.  The wine is crisp and balanced, from the inclusion of a bit of Sauvignon Musque (a unique clone of Sauvignon Blanc).  Perfect as we head into summer.  I will definitely include this on my annual patio wine list. I would also recommend a visit to the winery in Angwin to tour the pre-prohibition facility.

2008 Robert Craig Howell Mountain Zinfandel – Black Sears Vineyard.

Robert Craig is a well known name in the Napa Valley. He opened his own winery in 1992 after spending many years at Hess Collection and helping to designate the Mount Veeder AVA.  The winery is located at the top of Howell Mountain (see map) but wines can be tasted in their comfortable tasting room in Napa.  The small production  Howell Mountain Zinfandel is produced from the Black Sears Vineyard at the top of the AVA (2400 ft). It is an atypical Zinfandel – while it is full of black raspberry fruit, it finishes with pepper.  The tannins are soft and subtle.  I look forward to pairing this one with some great BBQ.

Please share your thoughts and comments on the wine, the AVA, etc.

Cheers.