Born from an exhaustive treasure hunt that led to a trove of vines on a precipitous Howell Mountain ridgetop, these 20-year-old vines sit high above the fog line alongside a rare, spring-fed mountain lake. Rooted in shallow, decomposed granite, iron-rich volcanic soils, and white ash (tufa), the site experiences drastic diurnal temperature shifts that slow ripening while preserving vibrant natural acidity. Sara and Jonah Beer are on a mission to craft site-driven, low-intervention Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons that revive the understated elegance, lower alcohol, and terroir-focused purity of the region's legendary 1970s golden era.
The cooling mountain microclimate and harsh, rocky ground naturally limit yields, producing a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon driven by chiseled structural precision, dark mineral tension, and an unmistakable cool-climate forest floor backbone. Bottled with restrained alcohol and minimal new oak, it captures the raw, muscular soul of Howell Mountain with classical balance.
Critical Acclaim:
99 Points, Decanter Magazine:
“This is Howell Mountain reimagined – a wine that makes you fall in love with the region all over again, but in an entirely different way… Just gorgeous.”
Why You’ll Love It:
High-Elevation Mountain Pedigree: Sourced from 20-year-old vines perched above the fog line in decomposed granite and iron-rich volcanic soils.
Chiseled Structural Precision: Delivers classic Howell Mountain power and graphite minerality without heavy oak or high-alcohol heat.
Exceptional Cellar Potential: Built with the high natural acidity and fine-grained tannin structure needed for multi-decade aging.
How to Serve It:
Decanting: Decant for 60 to 90 minutes in its youth to allow the dense core of dark fruit, forest floor, and graphite to open up.
Temperature & Glassware: Serve at 60–65°F in large, broad Bordeaux stems to accommodate its mountain-grown structure.
Food Pairings: Matches perfectly with braised beef short ribs, grilled venison, or dry-aged ribeye with bone marrow butter.
Country
United States
Region
California / Napa Valley
Sub-Region
Howell Mountain
Soil
Red Volcanic-Iron
Farming
Sustainable
Blend
Cabernet Sauvignon
OAK
French Oak Barrels
TEMP.
60-65°F
Glassware
Bordeaux Stems
Drinking
2027 through 2045
Decanting
60-90 Minutes
Daily Discovery
A Case at Your Pace is a one-of-a-kind subscription service that allows you the freedom to explore our expansive wine selection and consolidate your orders into a custom case over time.