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California Wine
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Overlooking the top rate Napa appellation of St. Helena, the Howell Mountain wine region stands apart from the rest of the valley in both climate and culture.
It is above the fog line, and therefore while it lacks the cooling effects of ocean mists on the valley, it has much cooler evenings due to its elevation. Its vineyards are above the inversion layer which traps heat in the valley during the day, and so elevation defines the A VA. The boundary of the regions basically follows a contour around a cigar shaped, flat topped, 25 sq mi mesa approximately 8 mi long and 3 mi wide.
Wine StylesHowell Mountain’s renowned Cabernets and Zinfandels have historically emerged in a big, brawny style. None can deny that they are powerful and intense, but a common, and perhaps justifiable complaint, is that they can lack elegance. For years, Ridge Vineyards reached into a vineyard long called Park-Muscatine for its Howell Mountain Zinfandel—and like most offerings from Ridge, it is usually and excellent wine. Buying Guide: Top Howell Mountain Zinfandels
Buying Guide: Best Howell Mountain Cabernets
On the Market: Howell Mountain Wines92 Summit Lake Zinfandel Howell Mountain $22 94 La Jota Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain $50 95 Duckhorn Red Wine Bordeaux Blend Howell Mountain $75 96 La Jota Vineyard 21st Anniversary Release Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain $90
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