Napa Cabernet 2022: Top wines from Howell Mountain

The 2022 vintage from Howell Mountain delivered wines that reflect the AVA’s signature power, structure and high-altitude freshness, yet with a notable degree of elegance and accessibility, despite the challenges of the vintage.

These included the significant heat dome that settled over Napa for a week from Labor Day on – many wines benefited from the higher elevation above the fog line.

There, longer days of sunlight and warmer nights helped vines ripen at an even-keeled pace, and temperatures never reached the soaring levels as that of the valley floor below.

To read all coverage of the Napa Cabernet 2022 vintage use the code NAPA22 for a 20% discount off an annual Premium subscription

Howell Mountain 2022: The top-performing producers

Arkenstone

Impensata

Nickel & Nickel

Ink Grade

Howell Mountain wines in 2022 lean towards a dark, mineral-rich fruit profile, with dominant notes of blackberry, blackcurrant, cassis and spiced plum, often accented by blueberry, redcurrant and cherry pit.

Many wines reveal a distinct mountain herbal quality, with nuances of bay laurel, sagebrush, unsmoked tobacco and wild thyme, as well as earthy elements like loamy soil, graphite and ironstone.

The spice spectrum is broad and engaging, featuring white pepper, cedarwood, allspice, cinnamon and espresso bean, often layered with florals like violets, lavender and pine resin.

Napa Valley Cabernet 2022: Full vintage report and top-scoring wines

Tannins remain a key defining trait of Howell Mountain wines, with most expressions exhibiting firm, mineral-rich, and structured tannins that contribute to serious ageing potential.

Wines that underwent extended maceration tend to feature mocha-rich, chocolatey tannins, reinforcing Howell Mountain’s signature grip.

Acidity remains bright and energetic, providing lift and ensuring these wines stay fresh despite the warmth of the vintage.

Howell Mountain at a glance

Climate Located above the fog line on the eastern side of the valley, the AVA is warmer and drier than other AVAs. This mountain appellation has more hours of sunshine and very little, if any, maritime influence.

Soils Predominantly volcanic, shallow and infertile. Drainage is high, and soil fertility is quite low.

Elevation 427m-792m

The most structured wines, particularly those from estate sites with deep volcanic soils and extended ageing in new oak, will benefit from long-term cellaring (10- 20+ years). These often showcase a tightly wound, coiled power that will unfurl beautifully over time.

Wines like Ink Grade’s The Prophet’s Water, Ipmensata’s Las Posadas Vineyard red, and Cade Reserve Cabernet stand out for their firm, age-worthy mountain tannins and mineral depth.

Some wines, especially those showcasing more red fruit, higher acidity and gentler tannins, are beautifully balanced for near-term drinking (up to 8 years). Examples include Nickel & Nickel’s Hawk’s Cradle Cabernet and Ink Grade’s Third Circle.

If you prefer opulent, instantly plush Napa Cabernets, Howell Mountain’s profile remains firmly structured, savoury and mineral-driven – more about power and restraint than lush fruit-forwardness.

Whether drinking now or laying down for the long haul, these wines represent some of the most complex, terroir-driven expressions of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

Click here for scores and reviews of all 650+ 2022 Napa Cabernets tasted

Cristaldi’s 2022 value picks from Howell Mountain

Ramond Vineyards, District Collection Cabernet Sauvignon

Stressed Vines Cellars, Cabernet Sauvignon

Nickel & Nickel Haw’s Cradle Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon

Howell Mountain 2022: The top-scoring Cabernets

Related articles

• Napa Valley Cabernet 2022 vintage preview
• Napa Valley Cabernet 2021: Full report and buying guide 
• Napa Cabernet 2021: Score table