Last weekend the weather was great in Napa Valley. Inspired, I took the opportunity for leisurely bike ride during the extreme heat of the day, which was probably not the best idea, since temperatures were in the upper 90s. I thought to myself, “the grapes must be loving this heat,” and all the while I was trying to find a big shade tree to escape it. Peddling through the Valley, I was reminded that with all its incredible appellations and micro-climates, my favorites remain those in the mountains.
Mountain-grown fruit makes the best wines, period. I have a love and appreciation for all of them; their rich, berry-driven and age-worthy fruit commands the palate. The different mountain regions produce different wine styles, but I really can’t pick a favorite. From Howell Mountain (east of St. Helena), Mount Veeder District (west of Oakville), Spring Mountain District (west of St. Helena) and Diamond Mountain (west of Calistoga), they all are climate gems that produce memorable wines.
Getting back to my bike ride, with a welcoming breeze I was cruising through the Napa neighborhood streets, when I remembered that I needed to pick up my 6 bottles of the 2006 Robert Craig Howell Mountain Zinfandel which I had purchased back in late 2007 on pre-release. My lips were smacking in anticipation of having it that evening. The winery and vineyards are located on Howell Mountain, on the east side of the Napa Valley.
Robert Craig has all the ingredients for success: beautiful vineyards, mountain-grown fruit and a rising star winemaking team. The same can be said for many of the region's wineries, which showcase the great diversity of the Napa appellation.
If you haven’t already done so, bring Howell Mountain wines into your wine world. You won’t be disappointed with this beautiful mountain-grown fruit.
Browse Vinfolio's extensive inventory of wines from the Howell Mountain region here.
Some of my favorites from the region include:
1997 Dunn Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain 1.5L ($225)
1999 La Jota - Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain ($120)
2003 Cornerstone - Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain ($85)
