1995 Liparita Cellars Howell Mountain Merlot

Liparita was established in Napa Valley in the late 19th century when William Keyes, a geologist and wine lover, bought land in Napa that reminded him of the volcanic soil of the Lipari Islands near Sicily. Keyes made wine from Howell Mountain vineyards in the early 20th century but the estate closed during Prohibition, reopening in 1987 when it was purchased by San Francisco entrepreneur. In 2006 Spencer Hoopes, a wine collector and entrepreneur, purchased the estate. Today the estate sources grapes from several Napa Valley appellations and makes Cabernet Sauvignon.

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.

The Merlot grape is such a deep blue that it is named for the blackbird. It’s an early ripening grape and one of the primary varietals used In Bordeaux. Merlot is also grown in the "International style," which is harvested later to bring out more tannins and body.