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In 1988, Mike Beatty started Howell Mountain Vineyards to focus on producing quality wines “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.
Howell Mountain Vineyards 2013 Beatly Ranch Zinfandel
Grape(s): 100% Zinfandel
Region: Howell Mt. – Napa Valley
Price: 50-55
Tasting Notes:
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
Grape(s): 100% Zinfandel
Region: Howell Mt. – Napa Valley
Price: 40-45
Tasting Notes:
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
Grape(s): 100% Zinfandel
Region: Howell Mt. – Napa Valley
Price: 40-45
Tasting Notes:
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
Grape(s): 100% Petite Verdot
Region: Howell Mt. – Napa Valley
Price: 60-65
Tasting Notes:
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
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Howell Mt. – Napa Valley
Price: 70-75
Tasting Notes:
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
