Winery
of the Week:
Howell Mountain Vineyards - Napa Valley
In
1988, Mike Beatty started Howell Mountain
Vineyards to focus on producing quality in the field
with minimal intervention winemaking in order to showcase the
unique characteristics of the distinctive appellation. That
philosophy hasn't changed over the years and with winemaker
Bryan Kane overseeing the process now, Howell Mountain Vineyards
keeps producing world-class wines.
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Howell
Mountain Vineyards 2013 Beatly Ranch Zinfandel
Winery:
Howell Mountain Vineyards
Grape(s): 100%
Zinfandel
Region: Howell Mt. - Napa Valley
Year:
2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 50-55
Review:
Fragrances of bramble fruit, cherries, spice, and coffee
greet the senses. The palate delivers flavors of boysenberry,
black cherry, and dark plum, alongside accents of white
pepper and espresso. With ample black fruit and nice highlights
of spice, open a bottle with short ribs cooked in a somewhat
spicy BBQ sauce. 100 cases were made.
Rating: 90 |
|
Howell
Mountain Vineyards 2013 "Primitivo Clone" Zinfandel
Winery:
Howell Mountain Vineyards
Grape(s): 100%
Zinfandel
Region: Howell Mt. - Napa Valley
Year:
2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 40-45
Review:
Plums, raspberries, and blackberries meld with traces
of brown spice and pepper on the nose. A sip reveals flavors
of blackberry, plum, and raspberry that combine with highlights
of pepper and all-spice. A wine with bright flavors and
opulent tannins, pair a glass with a gourmet meat pizza.
75 cases produced.
Rating: 90 |
|
Howell
Mountain Vineyards 2013 "Old Vine" Zinfandel
Winery:
Howell Mountain Vineyards
Grape(s): 100%
Zinfandel
Region: Howell Mt. - Napa Valley
Year:
2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 40-45
Review:
Aromatics of blackberries, boysenberries, and plums combine
with notes of all-spice and vanilla on the nose. Bramble
fruit and plum flavors emerge on the palate, along with
whispers of vanilla, cola, and clove. Fans of dark, supple
Zins ought to try this bottle. 350 cases were made.
Rating: 89 |
|
Howell
Mountain Vineyards 2012 Petite Verdot
Winery:
Howell Mountain Vineyards
Grape(s): 100%
Petite Verdot
Region: Howell Mt. - Napa Valley
Year:
2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 60-65
Review:
A bouquet of currents, blackberries, earth, and floral
notes rises up from a glass. The palate showcases flavors
of blueberry and currant that interweave with suggestions
of floral earth, minerals, and sandalwood. A lively, floral
red with cocoa tannins, a portobello mushroom burger would
make a fine pairing. Only 75 cases produced.
Rating: 90 |
|
Howell
Mountain Vineyards 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery:
Howell Mountain Vineyards
Grape(s): 100%
Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Howell Mt. - Napa Valley
Year:
2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 70-75
Review:
Aromas of blackberries, cassis, and black cherries mingle
with suggestions of toasty oak, herbs, and cola on the
nose. Flavors of blackberry, currant, and cherry flow
into whispers of mint, cedar, and cola. Velvety tannins
and dark fruit call for a juicy, rib-eye steak. 250 cases
were made.
Rating: 89 |
By
Jason Barlow
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
|
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