2011 Ledson Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

Ledson Winery & Vineyards in Kenwood, Sonoma Valley, was founded in 1989 when Steve Ledson bought property and planted 17 acres of Merlot. Ledson is the founder of a successful construction company, but his family roots are in California agriculture. He spent his youth working on the family’s Sonoma and Napa Valley dairy and orchard properties, and learned to enjoy wine made by neighboring winemakers. Ledson’s first commercial vintage was the 1994 Ledson Estate Merlot. Today the estate also grows grapes on 21 acres on Denmark Road in Sonoma, and on property in Mendocino County and Russian River Valley. Ledson produces some 70 wines annually from as many as 20 appellations. Besides making well-reviewed wines, Ledson Winery is known for the 16,000 square foot “castle” Steve Ledson built on the property. Designed to resemble the Norman gothic castles of northern France, it is a special events location for the winery.

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.