Spotlight on Davis Estates Howell Mountain Cabernet

The Howell Mountain Napa Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA) yields wines like no other. Dark and decadent, acidic and tannic, these wines are the product of the AVA’s unique terroir. Climate and rich soils are responsible for some of the best vines in California. It’s from these very vines that our Howell Mountain Cabernet was born – one of our favorite wines in our collection here at Davis Estates.

We invite you to explore current and past vintages with us at one of our exquisite wine tasting opportunities – but if you need a little more convincing, keep reading to learn more about why we’re so proud of our Howell Mountain Cabernet.

Wine Spotlight: Howell Mountain Cabernet

At Davis Estates, we’ve crafted a number of different Cabernet Sauvignons from different Napa AVAs. Today, we want to highlight one of our favorites: our Howell Mountain Cabernet, our 2019 vintage exudes elegance, structure, and power.

Keep reading to learn more about what makes this wine so special – and how you can experience it for yourself.

Everything You Need to Know About the Howell Mountain AVA

Nestled in the northeast side of Napa Valley, the Howell Mountain AVA is one of our go-to spots in Napa to source grapes. Overlooking the town of St. Helena, this gorgeous land of rolling hills is home to breathtaking views and a climate uniquely suited to fantastic growth.

Located at 1700-1800 feet above sea level, the high elevation of the Howell Mountain AVA provides a distinct climate all its own. Beautifully sunny, yet cool, thanks to the fog rolling off the ocean, there are few dramatic spikes in temperature. Instead, it’s comfortably even, with soil that stays dry despite the area getting double the rainfall of the valley. This is courtesy of the rocky conditions that create exceptional drainage.

Howell Mountain grapes grow in small clusters, and are able to develop a thick skin, giving their wines a phenomenal texture and structure. These grapes are bursting with high flavor concentration, and are perfect for crafting bold, robust wines.

Davis Estates: Our Howell Mountain Cabernet

Every bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon is unique, and while we at Davis Estates aren’t the only winemakers in Napa Valley to craft Howell Mountain Cabernet, we would argue that our wine is some of the finest in the valley.

Tasting Notes

True wine enthusiasts know to turn to Cabernet when they’re craving bold, vibrant flavors on their palate. Each appellation develops a unique Cabernet, and the Howell Mountain appellation is one of our most beloved of all.

Like many Cabernets, the Howell Mountain Cabernet features dark fruit flavors – namely black raspberry and red plum. Beyond that, however, this deep black cherry colored wine whispers alluring hints of herbs and sultry spices, while also carrying notes and aromas of bay leaf and dried rose. It’s a powerful wine, one that’s best enjoyed with one of our carefully crafted pairings – keep reading to learn more!

Aging Potential

The majority of our favorite wines get better with age – and our Howell Mountain Cabernet is no exception.

Cabernet Sauvignon is known to be a wine that ages well, developing a rich complexity and depth of flavor as the years go by. Properly stored, it can be enjoyed decades after being bottled. Our Howell Mountain Cabernet has been aged for 29 months, and holds continued aging potential. Full-bodied and vibrant in its flavor, it continues to develop new layers and richness with each passing year. Drink now, or cellar for another 15-20 years.

Our Favorite Howell Mountain Cabernet Pairings

Nothing compares to the taste of a world-class wine enjoyed alongside the perfect pairing. At Davis Estates, our culinary team is passionate about discovering the ideal dish for each of our wines, and the Howell Mountain Cabernet is no exception.

Keep reading to discover a few exquisite dishes to serve with Howell Mountain Cabernet – and learn how to incorporate them into your own culinary rotation.

Pan Seared Filet Mignon With Truffle Butter

Let’s start off with perhaps the most luxurious pairing of all – pan seared filet mignon with truffle butter. When paired with Cabernet Sauvignon, every flavor comes alive, from the rich, savory meat to the full-bodied Cabernet to the exquisite side dishes – roasted fingerling potatoes and romanesco with roasted red pepper puree.

Duck Breast With Black Mission Fig Sauce

When serving Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, we love to pair it with a delicious duck dish, and our Executive Chef Mark Caldwell has crafted the perfect recipe. Red wine’s acidity cuts through the fat of duck beautifully, and this dish features a rich black mission fig sauce that ties everything together seamlessly.

Serve with hasselback potatoes and roasted carrots for the perfect meal for a cold winter night.

Beef Kabobs

Red meat is a Cabernet Sauvignon’s best friend, and the vibrant flavor of beef kabobs is complemented exceptionally well by the powerful, sultry flavor of Howell Mountain Cabernet. Our recipe features a bold marinade and a couscous salad crafted with unforgettable flavors: red onion, lemon zest, feta cheese, black pepper, and more.

Pot Roast

Is there anything that tastes like home quite like the perfect pot roast? This comforting, savory dish is a great go-to choice for an intimate dinner party or family gathering. Featuring classic flavors of rosemary and thyme, a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon is the ideal match for this long-beloved meal.

Experience a Glass of Howell Mountain Cabernet With Us at Davis Estates

At Davis Estates, we’re proud to craft some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley. When you embark on our Napa Cabernet Sauvignon Ava Exploration Experience, you’ll have the opportunity to taste our Howell Mountain Cabernet for yourself, alongside three other Cabernet Sauvigons, each representing a different AVA. From the comfort of our luxurious tasting room, you’ll discover some of the finest expressions of Napa Valley wine in a tasting you’ll never forget.

Visit our website to reserve a tasting – we can’t wait to journey through wine country with you.