Wine Shop | 2021 HALL Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

Tasting notes

The 2021 Howell Mountain displays fresh and concentrated aromas of dark red fruits layered with hints of dried herbs. Blackcurrant and boysenberry fruits dominate the flavor profile, which is underscored by a subtle note of iron. The palate is focused with a densely tannic structure that is powerful, yet sleek—leading into a perfectly integrated finish.

Red Fruit
Dried Herb
Black Currant
Boysenberry

Vineyard notes

Howell Mountain AVA

Located atop the steep slopes rising to the east of St. Helena on the northern portion of the Vaca Mountain range, with elevations ranging from 1,400 to 2,600 feet.

Volcanic Heritage

The first soil type is decomposed volcanic ash; the second is the Aiken series, a red clay high in iron. In both cases, the soils are rocky, nutrient poor, and produce exceptionally intense wines.

Above the Fog

With elevations above the fog line, vines are allowed more sunlight hours, resulting in wines that are celebrated for their depth, concentration, and intensity.

Wine Facts

Perched 1400 feet above the valley floor, Howell Mountain is well above the fog line. This natural inversion layer assures the vineyards are drenched in sunlight from daybreak to sunset. Cooler spring temperatures cause buds to break later than average, and warm summer nights produce fruit of opulence and density. With rocky, infertile volcanic soils, the water is freely drained and the vines struggle and are low in vigor, producing intense wines from small clusters and berries.

Bottle Size

750ml

Varietal Composition

100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Barrel Aging

26 Months in 75% New French Oak

Vineyard Designation

Hughs and Las Posadas (Vineyard Partners)

Appellation

Howell Mountain and Napa Valley

Vintage Notes

The alluring 2021 vintage is notable for its low yields, which resulted in an extra degree of concentration in our wines. In a second year of severe drought, the vines grew quickly in the warm spring weather while our team carefully managed irrigation block by block. By summer, the vines had set a lighter than average crop, and cooler weather in August allowed time for multiple vineyard passes to finetune the fruit load and manage the canopy. After a smooth harvest season, we are excited about the beautifully balanced, flavor-packed 2021's.