Harvest On Howell Mountain

by Frank Mangio
In our last report on Napa Valley wines, most wineries were happy to see the progress of the fruit as it experienced “Veraison,” the changing of the leaves and grapes to a rich color, signaling the onset of harvest.  This latest blast of heat we are experiencing seals the deal, especially on Howell Mountain, the first AVA subappellation  in Napa Valley and an  impressive elevation for growing wine grapes beginning at 1,400 feet above the fog. This means warmer mornings and cooler afternoon breezes.   This is Cab Country, concentrated and structured.

Howell Mountain, the highest elevation in Napa Valley rises to 2,400 feet and is home to Cabernet, Merlot and Zinfandel. The Cakebread Dancing Bear Vineyard is shown.

TASTE OF WINE was struck by its elegant and timeless qualitieswith a Mountain Wine distinctive flavor , characterized by pepper and warm spices.  The grapes are small, tightly clustered and powerfully concentrated for intense fruit.  They develop thick skins that yield rich tannins. A closer look at the terroir reveals rich, red volcanic soils  with naturally superb iron, enriching the grapes in Howell’s 600 + acres planted.  Here are some names to know:

Robert Craig Winery
Robert and Lynn Craig have been producing distinctive Cabernets for over 20 years.  Their ’96
Cab brought fame when Wine Spectator called it the hot new winery. It’s been a top 50 Cab producer ever since.

  

The winemaker since 2008 at the 20 acre Robert Craig Winery on Howell Mountain is Stephen Tebb.

Be sure to taste their 2009 Howell Mountain Cabernet with 85% Cab, 6% Petit Verdot, 7% Merlot, and 2% Malbec.  It recently bagged 96 points at Wine Advocate.  www.robertcraigwine.com.

Charles Krug Winery.  The Peter Mondavi Family has staked their reputation on the 9 acres planted to Cabernet on their 20 acre parcel and the accolades are pouring in on this ’07 Howell Mountain Rocky Ridge Vineyard Cab, their first release from their Howell Mountain Vineyard. www.charleskrug.com.

O’Shaughnessy Estate Winery.  Owner Betty O’Shaunessy began her winery in 1990 in Oakville and over the next few years more vineyards on Howell and Mt. Veeder.  Founding winemaker Sean Capiaux is still master winemker, creating world class Cabernet. with deep roots on the  hillside property.  A favorite is the 2009 Howell Mountain Cabernet offering excellent structure and deep color.  www.oshaughnessy.com.

Betty O’Shaughnessy at harvest.

Duckhorn Vineyards.  Duckhorn has its headquarters winery in St. Helena on the floor of Napa Valley, but their vineyard that has the signature 2007 Cabernet is midway up Howell Mountain.  They have sourced cab here since 1989.  The current release has 68% Cab and  32% Merlot.  To further encourage complexity, this wine was bottle-aged one year longer than normal prior to release.  www.duckhorn.com.

Cakebread Cellars was founded in 1973 by Jack and Dolores Cakebread.  The current winemaker is Julianne Laks, only the 3rd winemaker in 35 years.  Their Cabernets are full-throttle wonderful.  Their Howell Mountain Dancing Bear ranch is a favorite, with most applause reserved for the 2007 with 22 months in French Oak. The mix is 80% Cab, 13% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc.  www.cakebread.com.

You can experience mountain wines from Howell Mountain at a Harvest Celebration in Napa Valley’s Yountville, Saturday November 3 from 1 to 4pm at the V Wine Cellar.  $35. pp. advance tickets for 17 wineries plus Chef’s tasting menu.  Call 707-965-2665 or visit www.howellmountain.org.

Wine Bytes
PAON in Carlsbad presents a Napa/Sonoma Tasting in the Tasting Bar, Thurs. Sept. 27 thru Wed. Oct. 3. Six one ounce glasses for $16. Check for names at 760-729-7377.

Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas has Lobsterfest 2012 Sat. Sept. 29 from 6 to 9pm.  Advance tix required at $100. ea.  This is an old fashioned Maine Lobster Boil with all the trimmings with lots of wines.  Call now at 760-479-2500.

Ponte Winery in Temecula rolls out its Grape Stomp Sun. Sept. 30 from 4 to 9pm.  Cost is $95. for a Buffet Dinner, and Dance.  Stomps are team mate competition for prizes.  Call 877-314-WINE.

The RB Historical Society brings its 2nd annual wine tasting, music and food fest to Bernardo Winery, Sun. Sept. 30 from Noon to 4pm.  Four live bands will play. Beer and wine from area breweries and vineyards.  Tickets $20. ea. or at the door for $25.  Call 858-775-5788.

Howell Mountain: Where it’s at in Napa Valley

by Frank Mangio
Millions of wine lovers, touristy types and California back-country drivers are driven to explore a revered 44,000 acres of wineries ands vineyards known as the Napa Valley . It makes only 4% of the wines in California , but produces 20% of wine sales in this state. Its reputation really took off when Robert Mondavi established his Robert Mondavi Winery. The rich tastes and ripe tannins of the signature Cabernet Sauvignon resemble the Bordeaux wine making area of France , and has demonstrated and was judged, to be superior to the French version.

Highway 29, which cuts through the Valley and routes the traveler to some 400 wineries and 700 grape growers, is a miniature Interstate 5 with traffic woes increasing to the boiling point.

Those in the know have known for some time that the Silverado Trail, which parallels Highway 29 to the east, is a more beautiful, pristine route that takes the traveler to some of the best brands in Napa Valley . Its crown jewel is Howell Mountain , a gentle, rural incline which begins at the 1,400 foot level. It also happens to be the fog-line boundary. Any grapes grown above that level are subject to sunnier days and cooler nights, the holy grail for excellence in wines. The soil is rockier and porous allowing for drainage of the heavier rainfall that they experience. The bottom line is a rich complexity and flavor.
The view from Viader, one of the wineries at the base of Howell Mt. It makes superb examples of Cabernet & Cab Franc.

The Howell Mountain appellation was the first to be recognized as a distinct growing region within the Napa Valley . The family style wineries often have small, hard-to-obtain quantities and are respected for their Cabs and Zins.

The Howell Mountain Wine Tasting for the public and the trade is traveling to Los Angeles and the Peterson Auto Museum on Wilshire Boulevard Monday March 15 from 2 to 6pm . More than 25 select wineries will be pouring. It will be a rare occasion.

Some names to know include: Cakebread, Atlas Peak , Beringer, Duckhorn, O’Shaugnessy, Robert Foley and many more. Tickets for the public are $45. each and can be processed at www.howellmountain.org. Public hours are 4 to 6pm . The info line is: 707-965-2665.

La Costa Wine Company Ramps Up Events
Kris Garrett is a man on a mission. He purchased the former Wine Street in Carlsbad not too long ago from Tanya Kinberg, a popular wine entrepreneur, and proceeded to move into the down economy with an added value and special event mentality.

The name was changed to La Costa Wine Company and the interior was re-modeled into a clean, upscale style that made wines easier to find. An imported cheese section was added to compliment the increase in events at the comfortable bistro style, marble bar. Tanya’s unsurpassed experience in the Napa Valley was enlisted for key “A-List” selections from small producers.
La Costa Wine Company owner Kris Garrett pours Italian wines at a recent tasting event.

The biggest, most exciting news yet is just around the corner on the calendar as Kris and his North County Wine Company host the two legendary wineries in Paso Robles wine growing history: Justin Winery on Friday February 26 from 5 to 8pm and the man that put the appellation on the map, Gary Eberle of Eberle Winery, on Thursday March 4 from 5 to 8pm with a charge of $20.

Eberle is considered to be the pioneer in the making of fine wine in Paso Robles Wine Country with over 30 years of production. His winery tastings are still complimentary, including cave tours. Learn more at www.eberlewinery.com.

At the Justin tasting, wines include: Chardonnay, Cabernet, Savant, Justification, Tempranillo and Obtuse. Fee is $30. Their site is www.justinwine.com. For more on La Costa Wine Company, access www.lacostawineco.com or call 760-431-8455.

Wine Bytes
Firefly Grill and Wine Bar in Encinitas is hosting an Amglin Winemaker Dinner Thurs. Feb. 25, 6:30pm . Cost is $75. ea. Amglin of Paso Robles focuses on the Rhone Varietals and will be pouring Viognier, Pinot Noir, a Rhone blend and a Syrah. To RSVP call 760-635-1066.

Cicciotti’s Trattoria in Cardiff is staging a benefit Opera Concert Thurs. Feb. 25 at 7pm and 9pm . Entrance fee $20. Two internationally known tenors will sing. Gaetano Cicciotti, the owner, has a new cookbook out featuring Italian food specialties. Call 760-634-2335.

Bacchus Wine Market in the Gaslamp District San Diego presents its next “Drink Yourself Blind” bagged wine tasting Fri. Feb. 26 form 4 to 8:30pm. Eight wines to try. Guess right and win prizes. Details at 619-236-0005.

A ZD Napa Valley Wine Tasting is planned for 21 Oceanfront Restaurant in Newport Beach Fri Feb. 26 from 6:30 to 10pm . Four course dinner with perfectly paired wines for $95. Learn more at 949-673-2100.

The Hilton Anaheim hosts a Chalk Hill Wine Dinner Fri. Feb. 26 at 6pm for $75. pp. Main entrée is Herb Roasted Lamb with Salsa Verde and Black Truffles, matching up with the ’06 Estate Cabernet. Call for RSVP’s at 714-740-4412.