2020 Freemark Abbey Howell Mountain Chardonnay

Freemark Abbey, in St. Helena, Napa Valley, California, was founded in 1886 by Josephine Tychson, one of the region’s first women winemakers. But the winery’s modern history started in 1939 when the three people who then owned the winery combined their last names to make up “Freemark Abbey.” The site has never had anything to do with a religious order. In 1967 the winery was purchased by seven business partners who made major innovations. Today the winery owns nearly 300 acres of vineyards and also sources grapes from some of the areas most acclaimed districts including the Rutherford Bench, Mount Veeder and Howell Mountain. Freemark Abbey is known for its Cabernet Sauvignons, though it also makes Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Petite Sirah and late harvest Riesling. Noted California wine writer James Laube has written that the estate makes wines of “finesse and polish.”

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.

This white variety originated in Burgundy, but is now grown around the world. Its flexibility to thrive in many regions translates to wide flavor profile in the market. Chardonnay is commonly used in making Champagne and sparkling wines.