2011 Cimarossa Rian Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Cimarossa means “red hilltop” in Italian, and in the fall when the leaves turn on hilltop where the Cimarossa vineyards are located, the view is indeed red and russet. At 2,100 feet, the vineyards are in the Howell Mountain appellation in the Vaca mountain range. The estate was founded by Dino Dina and Corry Dekker, a couple who both worked in biotechnology before starting their dream wine business. Since 2009 Mia Klein has been their winemaker. Cimarossa makes Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc in small quantities. Vinous has called Cimarossa “one of the hidden jewels of the Napa Valley.”

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.