Great 2015 Howell Mountain Cabs from Ladera and Duckhorn

Napa Valley isn't a particularly large growing area, but the diversity of soils, mesoclimates and exposures really sets the region apart, and those variations give some of the sub-AVAs of Napa Valley distinct personalities. One of those sub-regions is Howell Mountain. Located in the NE corner of Napa Valley, Howell Mountain is in the Sierra de Napa range. A couple of the primary soil types are a blonde, dusty volcanic 'tufa' or decomposed ash, and more red, iron-rich clay soils. Both types are low in organic matter, so they deliver the small, intensely flavored clusters of fruit that you expect to get from mountain vineyards.

For me, Howell Mountain wines tend to have really rich, intense blackberry and mulberry fruit flavors, and the tan

nins can range from very burly and hard to relatively soft depending on where the wines are grown and how the grapes are treated in the winery.

Here we have two terrific wines that show how wines from the same vintage on Howell Mountain can have a lot in common and still be quite different.

Ladera 2015 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain Napa Valley ($115) This win

e is just dynamite, and quite memorable. It delivers the brambly black fruit that you want from Howell Mountain, but it also has incredible grace and elegance and will age nicely for another ten years. What I really love about this wine is that it's a top estate offering from a winery that isn't just MORE ripe, MORE oaky, MORE alcohol. This one's balanced, composed, and frankly, epic. (97 Points)


Duckhorn 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain Napa Valley ($100) Another winner from the same vintage, this offering from Duckhorn is more in the plush, ready-to-drink style that Duckhorn does so well. Like most all Duckhorn wines, it's very easy to love and very well made. It's loaded with delicious mulberry and blackberry fruit, but it's a bit more luscious and the tannins are softer. It's delicious now and will go another 5 years, but I wouldn't hold onto it forever - go ahead and enjoy it with a great steak. (95 Points)