The Bella Vetta Vineyard on Howell Mountain is the source for this single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. The 1.9-acre site, planted in 2001, sits at 2,000 feet above the floor of Napa Valley, well above the fog line. Plenty of warm sunshine during the day brings the grapes to ideal ripeness, while cool night air helps retain natural acidity.
The 2016 growing season was nearly ideal, extending a run of exceptional vintages for Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. While yields were relatively low, the growing season proceeded with steady, mild weather conditions throughout the summer. A series of warm days towards the end of the season allowed grapes to reach ideal ripeness, and the harvest was uninterrupted by rain. Critics agree that the 2016 Napa Cabernet Sauvignons are gorgeous wines endowed with striking aromatic intensity, nuance, and depth. Over time, the wines have fleshed out beautifully.
Our 2016 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon shows brambly red and blue fruit notes of raspberry, pomegranate, Bing cherry, and plum, with layers of dried florals, spicy cardamom, cocoa, and black tea. This is a racy, full-bodied wine with chewy tannins, excellent acidity, and a long-lasting finish. Still youthful, this wine will age well for a decade at least.