Howell Mountain

🔍 Quick Summary

Howell Mountain AVA—Napa Valley’s first sub-appellation—sits high above the fog line, delivering intensely structured, volcanic-soil-driven wines with remarkable concentration, tannin, and age-worthiness.

📜 History

From pioneering plantings to historic recognition, here’s Howell Mountain’s lineage:

  • Early viticulture took root in the late 1800s with French vintners Brun & Chaix planting hundreds of acres and winning medals at the 1889 Paris World Competition.

  • Prohibition and phylloxera halted the region’s wine momentum until a renaissance in the 1960s.

  • In 1983, Howell Mountain earned its AVA status—the first sub-appellation in Napa Valley—defined uniquely by elevation rather than geographic markers.

🧠 What to Know

  1. Above the Fog – Vineyards begin at 1,400 ft elevation and extend up to ~2,500 ft, ensuring full sun exposure and distinct microclimate.

  2. Volcanic, Stressful Soils – Thin, well-drained decomposed volcanic ash (“tufa”) and iron-rich red clay create powerful, mineral-driven wines.

  3. Climate & Ripening – Cooler days balanced by warmer nights (due to lack of fog) allow slow flavor development without over-ripening.

  4. Limited Vineyards, Bold Output – Of 14,000 acres in the AVA, only ~1,500 acres are planted, yielding concentrated, age-worthy wines.

  5. Cab-Driven Reputation – Known for structured, tannic Cabernet Sauvignon and other strong reds like Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Merlot.

📍 Where It’s Found

  • 🇺🇸 Howell Mountain AVA – Northeast Napa Valley, on the western slopes of the Vaca Mountains above St. Helena and Angwin.

  • ⬆️ Elevation: 1,400–2,500 ft / ~430–760 m — decisions and viticulture sculpted by altitude.

  • 🌞 Climate: Above the fog line with strong sunlight, moderate days, and warm nights.

  • 🌡️ Historical Temperature Summary: Days are cooler than valley floor, nights remain warmer—yielding extended hang time and structure.

  • 🔺 Warming Trend: Not AVA-specific, but Napa-wide warming suggests evolving ripening patterns.

🏛 Notable Producers

  • Dunn Vineyards – Iconic for powerful, earthy Howell Mountain Cabernet.

  • Robert Craig Winery – The highest winery on the mountain (~2,300 ft).

  • La Jota Vineyard Co. – One of the earliest plantings, established in the 19th century.

  • Other Notables: O’Shaughnessy, Cade, Ladera, Robert Foley, Karl Lawrence, Lamborn, Abreu, W.H. Smith.

📦 Wines to Try

  • Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon – Deep blackberry, herbal nuance, vibrant minerality, firm tannin.

  • Zinfandel & Petite Sirah – Wild, concentrated expression with spicy richness.

  • Block- or Estate-Specific Cabs – Rare bottlings from Robert Craig, Dunn, or La Jota showcase terroir precision..

🗺️ Sub‑Regions to Explore

While not officially divided, these micro-sites offer unique style distinctions:

  • Upper Terraces – Highest vineyards with cool nuance and lean structure.

  • Mid-Slope Forested Sites – Balance of sun and shade, with harmony of fruit and mineral.

  • Lower Edge Vineyards – Warmer influence, richer fruit, yet still elevation-driven.

👅 Flavor & Style

Sensory Summary: Howell Mountain wines deliver robust power with minerality, dense structure, and a firm backbone.

  • Color: Deep garnet to violet.

  • Aromas & Flavors:

    • Primary: Blackberry, dark cherry, herbal lift

    • Secondary: Cigar box, earthy spice, volcanic mineral

  • Structure:

    • Body: Full and compact

    • Tannin: Firm yet silky

    • Acidity: Balanced with structure

    • Alcohol: Typically 14–15% ABV

🛠 Winemaking Notes

  • Hand-tended hillside viticulture – Mechanization is rare—work is precise and intentional.

  • Low yielding vines – Focused concentration through vineyard stress.

  • Oak integration – Powerful wines benefit from structured oak aging that complements—not covers—terroir.

🍽 Food Pairing Ideas

Complement the mountain’s muscle with bold, layered fare:

  • Savory: Herb-crusted ribeye, venison ragout, slow-braised lamb shoulder

  • Cheese: Aged Manchego, mature Gruyère, sharp cheddar

  • Unexpected: Smoked pork belly, wild mushroom ragout, dark chocolate with sea salt

📑 Regional Wine Laws

  • AVA Labeling: Must source at least 85% of grapes from Howell Mountain to bear its name.

  • Napa Compliance: Falls under Napa Valley’s yield and viticulture regulations.

  • Reserve / Estate Terms: Informal and producer-defined designations.

🔗 Related Topics to Explore

  • Mountain Vineyards – Elevation’s role in Napa wine structure

  • Volcanic Soils – Impact on concentration and mineral character

  • Cabernet Tannin & Texture – Howell Mountain’s signature

  • Napa’s First Sub‑AVA – Historical significance

  • Hand Farming & Scarcity – Why hilltop grapes command devotion

🤓 Deep Dive Topics

📚 Read More

  • Howell Mountain AVA – Wikipedia

  • Howell Mountain Appellation – Napa Valley Vintners

  • Historic Wine Boom – Howell Mountain Vintners & Growers Association

🎧 Listen Up

(No VinePair episodes specific to Howell Mountain at the moment—but Napa mountain AVA discussions are promising future listens.)