Napa Valley Cabernet: Best Howell Mountain 2018 wines
The 'massive, rustic' wines of the Howell Mountain AVA are built to last, finds Matthew Luczy as he selects his top 2018 Cabernets from this Napa sub-region.
Located in the Vaca range above St Helena, in 1983 Howell Mountain was among the first Napa subregions to be split off into its own appellation.
Scroll down for the top-scoring Howell Mountain 2018 wines
To be eligible for the AVA, vineyards must be planted at or above the level of the fog line, 420 metres above sea level. This results in both substantially more exposure to sunshine, as well as narrower diurnal swings due to the cooler average temperature.
There is higher average rainfall than the valley floor, compensated for by the well-drained, rocky, volcanic, tufa soils.
Many of the wines are massive, rustic and built for the long-haul, although there are an increasing number of flashy, slick styles being produced. Even in these modern showings, the persistently chewy tannin structure of Howell Mountain is not one that is easily masked.
Napa Valley Cabernet: Full 2018 vintage report
Winemaker for Lokoya and La Jota, Chris Carpenter describes Howell Mountain as having a ‘gravely minerality that comes through, and a mid-palate that none of the mountain wines from the Mayacamas come close to.
Tannins from Mount Veeder and Spring Mountain tend to be really focused. On Howell, the tannins are much broader in a really compelling way. Mixed with the savoury character of Howell Mountain Cabernet, I think it is a really great combination.’
Quick links
Individual AVA analysis and top-scoring wines coming soon:
Calistoga, Coombsville, Mount Veeder, Oakville, Rutherford, St Helena, Stags Leap District
Top examples include Lokoya’s appellation-designate, La Jota, Metzker and O’Shaughnessy.
See the top-scoring Howell Mountain 2018 wines
See also
Decanter Premium Collector’s Guide: Napa Valley A taste of Howell Mountain: Tor Cimarossa Cabernet Sauvignon 2003-2016California Cabernet 2016: Panel tasting results
Lokoya, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain, California, USA, 2018
A luxurious, decadent and refined nose. Where many mountain-Cabernets may be sharp and rugged in their youth, the Lokoya Howell Mountain Cabernet is remarkably integrated...
2018
LokoyaNapa Valley
Pilcrow, Granite Lake, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain, California, USA, 2018
Dramatically darker and more intense on the nose, very clearly stating its rustic, Howell Mountain origins. Cigar box, charcoal and black currants on the nose....
2018
PilcrowNapa Valley
Bravante, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain, California, USA, 2018
A beautiful nose that straddles fresh flowers, a rustic rockiness, and judicious oak usage. The palate follows suit with density balanced by a sneaky weightlessness,...
2018
BravanteNapa Valley
La Jota, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain, California, USA, 2018
La Jota’s Howell Mountain bottling is a distinctively pure and floral. The nose is loaded with ripe blue fruit and fresh purple flowers centered around...
2018
La JotaNapa Valley
Metzker Family Estates, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain, California, USA, 2018
Wild and savage on the nose, combining mountain-based ruggedness with lively floral notes. The palate is strikingly juicy and succulent before transitioning into a burly,...
2018
Metzker Family EstatesNapa Valley
O'Shaughnessy Estate, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain, California, USA, 2018
A unique blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 5% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot, and 2% each of Saint Macaire, Carmenere, and Cabernet Franc. Charred...
2018
O'Shaughnessy EstateNapa Valley
Luna Vineyards, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain, California, USA, 2018
Aromas of cigar smoke, red pepper flakes, black liquorice and smoldering dark fruits. The texture falls squarely in the middle of the tannic, hard-edged Howell...
2018
Luna VineyardsNapa Valley
Bravante, Estate Reserve, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain, California, USA, 2018
Spice-driven aromas of green peppercorns, dried sage and cedar. A very high-toned, bright palate of bing cherries, tart raspberries and red plums. The finish is...
2018
BravanteNapa Valley
Clif Family, Croquet Vineyard, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain, California, USA, 2018
Initially a much softer, more reticent nose than the Cold Springs vineyard. Smoldering, dark fruit aromas combined with dry gravel and sawdust. Rocky, black fruits...
2018
Clif FamilyNapa Valley
Clif Family, Cold Springs Vineyard, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain, California, USA, 2018
The Howell Mountain origins here are shown in spades. Aromas of cigar ash, bell peppers and crushed rocks stand in front of ripe, dusty black...
2018
Clif FamilyNapa Valley
