Started in 1988 by two prominent Howell Mountain vineyard owners, Howell Mountain Vineyards and its wines have been an integral part of the emergence and development of this AVA in the wine industry. Today, led by Mike Beatty, grower of the famed Beatty Ranch, Howell Mountain Vineyards continues to focus on equality in the vineyards while embracing bioharmonic principals.

In 2016, Howell Mountain experienced an even and balanced growing season. The near perfect growing conditions created some of the best fruit we have ever seen in this region. The clusters were full with medium sized berries, balancing the fruit with the classic tannins present in Howell Mountain fruit. With the steady heat in the late summer, the old vine fruit was able to easily reach maturity and was harvested in mid-October.

Our 2016 Old Vine Zinfandel comes from the oldest vines in Howell Mountain planted prior to prohibition. In 2016, the fruit was nearly perfect, showcasing classic old vine spice with an uncommonly full fruit palate. On the nose, this wine produces a melody of fruit starting with red cherry notes leading to darker black cherry notes upon further examination. On the palate, layers black pepper spice dominate the entry supported by a rich, fuller than normal, body of black raspberry and dark cherry fruit with hints of cloves and dark plum fruit in the finish supported by well integrated tannins which expose lingering notes of anise and creme de cassis.