1997 St. Clement Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

St. Clement Vineyards traces its history to 1878 when an affluent manufacturer built an estate on the property and made Riesling and Zinfandel in the cellar. In 1975 an eye surgeon named William Casey started a small commercial winery on the estate and produced Cabernet, Chardonnay and Zinfandel. Since 1987 the estate has been owned by the Japanese brewer Sapporo. The estate’s 22 acres are mostly in Carneros. The estate makes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

Howell Mountain AVA in Northeastern Napa Valley was the first of Napa Valley’s sub-appellations, earning its own designation in 1984, just a year after Napa Valley became an appellation. As the name suggests, the AVA is in one of the highest elevations in the area. Every vineyard in the appellation is at least 1,400 feet above sea level. Some vineyards are as high as 2,200 feet and because of their altitude most of the AVA’s vineyards receive more sun than vineyards at lower elevations, which are affected by fog from the Pacific Ocean and the San Pablo Bay. Howell Mountain was home to vineyards in the late 19th century, but winemaker Randy Dunn is considered the area’s most influential modern pioneer. Dunn moved to Howell Mountain in 1979, acquired property and began making exceptionally rich Cabernet Sauvignon. The AVA also grows Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. There are 600 vineyard acres within Howell Mountain AVA.

One of the most widely grown grape varieties, it can be found in nearly every wine growing region. A cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a hardy vine that produces a full-bodied wine with high tannins and great aging potential.