Howell Mountain

Located to the east of St. Helena, at an elevation ranging from 1400 to 2200 feet, sits one of the most prestigious wine growing regions in the world, Howell Mountain. Comprised of approximately 600-700 planted acres (out of an approximate total of 14,000), this sub-appellation of Napa Valley, California is home to some of the Napa Valley’s premiere brands, producing primarily Medoc varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. One of the central characteristics of this appellation is that Howell Mountain sits above the fog-line. This important climatic fact means the temperature tends to be about 10 degrees cooler during the day than on the valley floor and substantially warmer in the evenings resulting in longer days. Those factors along with the volcanic soils of Howell Mountain allow for longer growing seasons, which in turn produce very intense fruit. The wines have very strong tannic structure that aids the intensity of the fruit allowing for excellent aging possibilities.

Howell Mountain gained international recognition in the late 1800’s, for producing prizewinning clarets (probably Zinfandel) at the International Wine Competition at the 1889 and 1900 Paris Exposition. By 1983, Howell Mountain had gained such prominence as a place producing distinctive high quality wines that it obtained it own designation as a sub-appellation (American Viticultural Area or AVA) of Napa Valley.

Roberts + Rogers is excited to carry on the long and distinguished history of creating superior Bordeaux-style wines from the Howell Mountain appellation.