wine enthusiast magazine

92 Points Awarded to our 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon

92 Points Awarded to our 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon

We are pleased to announce that our Howell Mountain Vineyards 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon was awarded 92 Points from Wine Enthusiast Magazine!



Cellar Selection & 94 points awarded to our 2018 Beatty Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon

Cellar Selection & 94 points awarded to our 2018 Beatty Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon

We are pleased to announce that our Howell Mountain Vineyards 2018 Beatty Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon was awarded Cellar Selection & 94 Points from Wine Enthusiast Magazine.



Cellar Selection & 95 Points awarded to our 2018 Cabernet Franc

Cellar Selection & 95 Points awarded to our 2018 Cabernet Franc

We are pleased to announce that our Howell Mountain Vineyards 2018 Cabernet Franc was awarded Cellar Selection & 95 Points from Wine Enthusiast Magazine.



Cellar Selection & 94 Points awarded to our 2018 Petit Verdot

Cellar Selection & 94 Points awarded to our 2018 Petit Verdot

We are pleased to announce that our Howell Mountain Vineyards 2018 Petit Verdot was awarded Cellar Selection & 94 Points from Wine Enthusiast Magazine.



94 Points awarded to our 2018 Beatty Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon

94 Points awarded to our 2018 Beatty Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon

We are pleased to announce that our Howell Mountain Vineyards 2018 Beatty Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon received a 94 point rating from Wine Enthusiast Magazine.



93 Points awarded to our 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon

93 Points awarded to our 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon

We are pleased to announce that our Howell Mountain Vineyards 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon received a 93 point rating from Wine Enthusiast Magazine.



Amid Smoke and Climate Change, Napa Embraces an Imperfect Red Grape

Petit Verdot is an important and late-ripening variety in both Bordeaux and the Napa Valley, mostly used as a blending grape in Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant wines. Known for its dark color, thick skin, high tannin content and spicy intensity, it is one of the most expensive grapes per ton, which is a direct correlation to its scarcity.

Over the past few years, winemakers have come to rely heavily on this grape because of its intensity and dark color. But that doesn’t mean Petit Verdot is without its challenges like, yes, the intensity, deep hue, and worst of all, propensity to soak in smoke.

Petit Verdot is extremely prone to smoke taint, which has been a growing problem of late, most notably in 2020.

“In 2020, the [Glass] fire did not get to our property, and thanks to the wind direction we didn’t have a lot of smoke, says Bryan Kane, who makes a 100% Petit Verdot for Howell Mountain Vineyards. “We did not get much smoke influence on the grapes, except for Petit Verdot — it’s a smoke soaker — so we don’t have any 2020 [vintage], but the rest of the vintage was one of our best ever overall.”

THERE’S NOTHING PETITE ABOUT PETIT VERDOT

The Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI) has published studies in relationship to baseline levels of the phenolic compounds (health-benefitting phytochemicals) associated with smoke taint, and varieties like Petit Verdot and Syrah already produce high concentrations of these compounds, which means you’re most likely to taste the smoke in these grapes than others.

“Our Petit Verdot is approachable and very complex and aromatic, with a more floral profile,” says Laura Diaz Munoz, winemaker and general manager of Ehlers Estate in St. Helena, California. “It is true that Petit Verdot, like Syrah, has a propensity to express smoke taint even at lower levels of exposure, as they produce and accumulate the same compounds even when not exposed to smoke.”

Because of this, winemakers like Diaz Munoz say they will analyze for smoke taint markers even during years when fires aren’t a threat, hoping to create a database of base levels for her varieties in her specific site, so she’s able to make more informed decisions when grapes are exposed to smoke.

Still, its charms tend to outweigh its challenges.

“It’s a nice somm wine,” notes Bryan Kane. “We tend to get even berry size at elevation, the color is fantastic, it’s purple in tank right from the beginning and the tannins are why people use it in blends. You don’t need a lot of it to get the structure.”

The Butts Fire in Pope Valley over shadows the vineyards and winerys of Californias Napa Valley
Getty

Karen Williams, owner of Acme Fine Wines in St. Helena, explains further.

“The namesake ‘petit’ is associated with the small berries which have higher skin-to-juice ratio, which results in more tannins and deeper hues.”

At her wine shop, she doesn’t often have requests for varietal Petit Verdot, though she has carried some in the past, including Cerro, made by Derek Beitler and sourced from the Cerrito Vineyard in Rutherford, which Williams describes as “not for the faint of heart,” and another from Gibbs sourced in Yountville.

“When we sit down to taste with winemakers here in Napa,” she continues, “we commonly hear that within their spice rack of blending varieties, Petit Verdot carries a similar gustatory job as black pepper. Too much is overbearing and can mask the delicate nuances.”

Jarvis Estate on Atlas Peak also produces a 100% Petit Verdot, as does Boeschen Vineyards and Mira Winery, Thirty-Seven, St. Supéry, Battuello, DRNK and Decades5. It also makes up a sizable percentage of iconic wines, including Beaulieu’s Georges de Latour Private Reserve and Dominus Estate.

There are roughly 700 acres of Petit Verdot in the Napa Valley, according to the 2020 California Grape Report published by the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Compare that to the approximately 21,000 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, the region’s dominant grape.

“Petit Verdot is a late-ripening variety,” confirms Diaz Munoz. “Farming-wise, that is the more challenging aspect, on top of the yield variability due to its being overly sensitive during flowering, to humidity or winds. Flowers can fail to develop, and yields drop substantially some years.”

The Two Unsung Grapes Putting Virginia Wine on the Map

But, if conditions are good during flowering, Diaz Munoz says they can get the opposite — high yields and less concentration if they don’t drop fruit. Since Petit Verdot produces three clusters per shoot, it’s even more important that yields are adjusted.

All the coddling required of this variety — on top of climate change and fires — means Petit Verdot needs to be grown in the right place and given the right attention to be worthwhile, which is why there is so little of it in a place like the Napa Valley and why it costs so much per ton.

Still, some will find it worth the hassle and persist. Diaz Munoz, for one, feels good about the winery’s estate site and plans to continue growing it and showcasing it in a varietal bottling, even if that means contending with smoke taint.

“Our soils have between 35 to 65% gravel, which allows good drainage,” she explains. “We are in the narrowest point in the valley, with soils that are not as deep. Mixing this up with warm temperatures and good drainage, we get a little bit of stress in the vines that is beneficial to achieve full ripeness.”

The Ehlers Estate Petit Verdot ripens properly in these conditions and achieves good color, softer tannins and more floral, fruity aromatics. The two blocks on site are the last ones picked, usually in late October, tacking on additional risk.

But if you want to try something different, something intensely colored and robust, try a Petit Verdot on its own. There may be fewer chances to do so down the road.



Spring 2021 Newsletter

Howell Mountain Vineyards 2021 Spring Release
Howell Mounatain Vineyards
Howell Mountain Vineyards
2021 Spring Release
Dear Friends,

Spring in here and Howell Mountain Vineyards are in full bloom. Although, we had a few more nights of frost this year, the vines look good and we expect a consistent fruit set this year. The 2021 Vintage is off to a excellent start.

We thank you all for your thoughts and prayers last year during the Glass Fire on Howell Mountain. Fortunately, Howell Mountain Vineyards and the Beatty Ranch were spared from the fire. Due to the wind direction, we had no detectable smoke taint in our fruit which is very fortunate since the 2020 Vintage may be the best vintage of the century. The fruit was balanced with small berries which produced intense wines from the vineyard. We are excited about how the 2020 Vintage wines are developing.
Lastly, we have our new 2021 Spring Release wines which include two Zinfandels, Reserve Beatty Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and our Cabernet Franc which was named "Top Cabernet Franc in the World" at the prestigious TEXSOM International Wine Competition. Some of these wines have a very limited production, so get your order in soon.
Thank you again for your interest in Howell Mountain Vineyards wines and we look forward to sharing our new release wines with you,

Mike Beatty
Named "Top Cabernet Franc in the World"
The 2016 Howell Mountain Vineyards Cabernet Franc was named "Top Cabernet Franc in the World" at the prestigious TEXSOM International Wine Competition. Every year, over 100 of the world's top sommeliers from around the globe come together to judge wine from across the world's finest wine growing regions. Wines are categorized by varietal and/or blend, and, for each category, one wine is chosen as the best wine in its class and awarded the Judge's Selection.
This last year, our 2016 Howell Mountain Vineyards Cabernet Franc was tasted blind, alongside dozens for the world's top Cabernet Franc wines. After the judging was completed, our wine was chosen as the Judge's Selection and named the Top Cabernet Franc in the World!
Our Cabernet Franc is one of our limited production wines, so, although we are just releasing this wine, supply may be limited. So get your order in soon!
Buy Now
2021 Spring Release Wines
We are excited to share our new 2021Spring Release wines with you including limited production Bordeaux varietal wines including our Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and our Reserve Beatty Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon. In addition, we are releasing the popular Old Vine Zinfandel as well as the Primitivo Clone Zinfandel.
2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Beatty Ranch
92 points, American Fine Wine Comp
"At first sight, this wine looks massive with its dark black color. In the nose, the wine exhibits dark, dusty blackberry fruit with a undertone of licorice reminiscent of “sen sen” breath mints. On the palate, the wine uncovers layer upon layer of dark fruit and earthy tannins with a long finish."
Buy Now
2016 Cabernet Franc
"Top Cab Franc in the World"
Best of Class, TEXSOM
"Soft, supple and richly etched in red fruit, this wine is also earthy in cedar, tobacco and dusty rock. Tight, firm tannins give it pronounced structure and elegance around peppery spice and lasting oak, the wine aromatic in mountain violet and sage."
Buy Now
2016 Petit Verdot
91 points, Wine Enthusiast
"This is a thick, brooding red wine from the producer's own estate vineyard—a study in dusty rock, graphite and dark cherry. Tobacco, leather and caramel chime in midway through on the palate, surrounded by structured tannin and well-integrated oak that complement the wine's broad shoulders and rich ripeness."
Buy Now
2017 "Old Vine" Zinfandel
92 points, Wine Enthusiast
"From vines planted before Prohibition, this balanced, burly red is sinewy, with components of black pepper, gravel, stone and iron. Red- and black-cherry fruit is rich and layered, with lovely contrasts of leather, tannin and spicy oak."
Buy Now
2017 Primitivo Clone Zinfandel
93 points, Wine Enthusiast
"Effusively and powerfully built around blackberry and graham cracker flavors, this bold, structured mountain wine is soft and unctuous on the palate. Firm, integrated tannin and oak don't hinder but rather add to the intrigue and appeal, leading to a finish of cinnamon and black pepper."
Buy Now
Howell Mountain Vineyards Wine Club
The Howell Mountain Vineyards wine club provides its members with access to all wines released — even our highly rated and limited release wines! Receive 3 shipments yearly (spring, fall and mid-winter) of 4 bottles each shipment containing our newest releases. Benefits of our Wine Club include:
  • Save 15% off all wine purchases & 25% off all case purchases (12 bottles or more) of Howell Mountain Vineyards wines.
  • Access to purchase additional quantities of special limited release wines
  • Discount to Howell Mountain Vintner’s Events
Each shipment will be sent to you automatically, and you may cancel at any time prior to your shipment. To sign up for our wine club, click on the button below.
26th Annual Taste of Howell Mountain Event
Saturday, October 16 - 11:30am to 4:30pm
@ Charles Krug Winery in St. Helena
WINE TASTINGS, FOOD PAIRINGS, LIVE MUSIC & AUCTIONS
Register to join us on line for the 25th Annual "Taste of Howell Mountain" event. Our owner and winegrower, Mike Beatty, will be at the event with his son Patrick pouring our latest releases. This event sells out every year, so, to reserve your ticket for this event, click on the button below!
Summer Discounted Next-Day Air Shipping
If you live out of the state of California and would like to make sure that your wine arrives safely during the summer, we have the solution! Our shipping partner, VinoShipper offers reduced prices on Next Day Air UPS Shipping that is lower than 2-Day Air and sometimes 3-Day Air. Remember, VinoShipper (and hence Howell Mountain Vineyards) cannot be responsible for wine shipped with Ground or other Air shipping if your shipping location is above 80 degrees, so we recommend that you utilize this discounted Next Day Air option if you think your wine may be exposed to prolonged heat when shipping to your location out of the State of California. Discounted Next Day Air will be offered through the end of October. Order today and save on Next Day Air UPS Shipping!
Now shipping to 40 states!
We are currently registered to ship wine to 40 or our 50 states -- and with low shipping charges! We are current shipping wine to the following states:
AK, AZ. CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, LA, MA, MD, ME, MN, MO, NC, ND, NE, NH, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY. Watch for more states coming on-line in the future!
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Howell Mountain Vineyards
Angwin, CA 94508
707-637-9400
info@howellmountainvineyards.com
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© 2021 Howell Mountain Vineyards


92 point rating awarded to our Howell Mountain Vineyards 2017 Old Vine Zinfandel

HMV-17-ZIN-OV-F-web.jpg

We are pleased to announce that our Howell Mountain Vineyards 2017 Old Vine Zinfandel received a 92 point from Wine Enthusiast

“From vines planted before Prohibition, this balanced, burly red is sinewy, with components of black pepper, gravel, stone and iron. Red- and black-cherry fruit is rich and layered, with lovely contrasts of leather, tannin and spicy oak.”

-VIRGINIE BOONE, WINE ENTHUSIAST MAGAZINE

Click here to see the full article



91 point rating awarded to our Howell Mountain Vineyards 2016 Cabernet Franc!

Howell Mountain Vineyards 2016 Cabernet Franc

We are pleased to announce that our Howell Mountain Vineyards 2016 Cabernet Franc received a 91 point rating from Wine Enthusiast

“Soft, supple and richly etched in red fruit, this wine is also earthy in cedar, tobacco and dusty rock. Tight, firm tannins give it pronounced structure and elegance around peppery spice and lasting oak, the wine aromatic in mountain violet and sage.”

-VIRGINIE BOONE, WINE ENTHUSIAST MAGAZINE

Click here to see the full article