Duckhorn Howell Mountain Red Wine 2003 Front Label
Duckhorn Howell Mountain Red Wine 2003 Front Label

Winemaker Notes

In 1880 the St. Helena Star contended that Howell Mountain "would be to California what Medoc is to France." In 1983, Howell Mountain was approved as a viticulture appellation, confirming what the turn-of-the-century growers already knew about the uniqueness of the region. The elevation creates a weather pattern that is often an inversion of the valley floor. As a result of cooler spring temperatures, bud break is delayed. The summer temperatures are warm at night, and as a result, the fruit demonstrates a great balance between acidity and sugar. Duckhorn Vineyards has utilized grapes from the Howell Mountain appellation since 1978. Beginning in 1989, we produced a meritage blend from fruit grown entirely within the district, and in 1993 we bottled our first Howell Mountain Merlot. We believe that this wine will be the Medoc of our portfolio.

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    Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.

    Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.

    SLS5040303_2003 Item# 94787