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 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Howell Mt. – Napa Valley
Price: 70-75
Tasting Notes:
Alluring aromas of cassis, blackberries, and plums combine with suggestions of dark chocolate, cigar box, and vanilla on the nose. The palate unfurls with flavors of blackberry, dark cherry, and currant that mingle among expressions of cocoa, vanilla, and smoky oak. Supple tannins and rich fruit make this a Cab for serving with roast beef. 550 cases were made.
Rating: 90
Howell Mountain Vineyards 2014 Petite Verdot
Grape(s): 100% Petite Verdot
Region: Howell Mt. – Napa Valley
Price: 60-65
Tasting Notes:
Blackberries and cherries play with aromas of lavender and earth on the nose. Cocoa tannins frame flavors of bramble berry, cherry, and dark plum, along with accents of coffee and perfumed earth on the palate. Fruity and floral notes are in harmony, making this a good wine for lamb stew. 100 cases produced.
Rating: 90
Howell Mountain Vineyards 2014 Beatly Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Howell Mt. – Napa Valley
Price: 120-125
Tasting Notes:
Lovely notes of cassis, blackberries, and boysenberries interweave with nuances of dark chocolate, cinnamon, and licorice on the nose. Cocoa tannins frame flavors of bramble berry, currant, and black cherry, which move into chocolate, baking spice, and toasty oak hints on the palate. Fine balance and depth make this a wine to enjoy with a juicy steak now or to cellar away for five years. 200 cases were made. 200 cases were made.
Rating: 91
Howell Mountain Vineyards 2015 “Old Vine” Zinfandel
Grape(s): 100% Zinfandel
Region: Howell Mt. – Napa Valley
Price: 40-45
Tasting Notes:
A bouquet of raspberries, blackberries, black pepper, and all-spice rises up from a glass. Blackberry and raspberry flavors come up front on the palate and unfold into highlights of pepper, brown spice, and vanilla. Offering refined tannins and a nice acidity, this Zin will match up well with any gourmet BBQ dish. 500 cases produced.
Rating: 90
Howell Mountain Vineyards 2015 Beatly Ranch Zinfandel
Grape(s): 100% Zinfandel
Region: Howell Mt. – Napa Valley
Price: 50-55
Tasting Notes:
The nose presences with aromas of blackberries and black cherries, alongside suggestions of vanilla, brown spice, and white pepper. On the palate, flavors of bramble berry and cherry play with notes of all-spice, white pepper, and licorice. Good structure and nice layers of flavor make this a fine example of Napa Zin. 150 cases were made.
Rating: 91
