2014 QTR Cabernet Sauvignon

QTR is a six-acre estate on the lower levels of Howell Mountain. It was founded by Natan and Jessica Bibliowicz, a New York couple whose careers were in architecture and finance before they decided to follow their mid-life passions by making beer and wine. They started a craft brewery in Colorado and at about the same time purchased their Howell Mountain property to make Cabernet Sauvignon. They hired some of Napa’s stars to help them, namely winemaker Philippe Melka and vineyard manager Jim Barbour. QTR makes about 375 cases of wine annually, and the wine is generally available only through a mailing list.

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.