2003 Howell Mountain Cabernet Franc

June Release - limited quantities available only through July 10, 2023

Our June library offer is a 20-year release of a grape variety that has been a longtime darling of wine insiders. Planted in 1976, our Cabernet Franc vines are some of the oldest of their kind in Napa Valley, widely spaced on a little slope next to our 125-year-old stone winery on Howell Mountain. Because they happened to be grafted onto St. George rootstock, the vines escaped the ravages of the phylloxera epidemic. This vineyard block is blessedly easy to farm — although yields have declined in recent years as the vines have matured, making bottles especially precious.

It is rare to find aged expressions of this varietal from our region. Our 2003 Howell Mountain Cabernet Franc vintage shows aromatics of rose petal, cinnamon, and mocha which are mirrored by a palate that deepens with pomegranate, plum, mineral, and herbal notes. The texture is silky and the tannins are graceful.

Less than 3 cases are available of our June offer in celebration of our 125th anniversary.