Owners of Howell Mountain Vineyards from left: Joyce Black Sears, Mike Beatty (in back), Jerre Sears

Howell Mountain Vineyards is owned by Mike Beatty of Beatty Ranch, and Joyce Black Sears & Jerre Sears of Black Sears Vineyard. It was established in 1988 to hand craft limited releases of Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon from their two vineyards. The vineyards are located in the Howell Mountain appellation of Napa Valley, California.

The Wines

Howell Mountain Vineyards produces Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon, with various designations of the Zinfandel released on two occasions a year. March 1 is the release date of our Old Vine Zinfandel and October 1 is the release date of our Beatty Ranch Zinfandel and Black Sears Vineyard Zinfandel, as well as our Cabernet Sauvignon.

Zinfandel - There are three bottled-designated Zinfandels from Howell Mountain Vineyards: "Old Vine," "Beatty Ranch" and "Black Sears Vineyard." The "Old Vine" is typically a blend of 25- to 80-year-old vines from Beatty Ranch Zinfandel and Black Sears Vineyard Zinfandel. All are classically structured Zinfandels with softer tannins than most mountain vineyards, and reveal intense, dark fruit, fresh truffle and cocoa flavors. Drinkable upon release, they will age for 5+ years.

Cabernet Sauvignon - The first vintage was released in the fall of 1998. It is also a blend of these two premier vineyard sites. The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from the Howell Mountain Vineyards have contributed significantly to Dunn Howell Mountain, Martin Ray and Cornerstone Cabernet Sauvignons in the past.

Key Aspects & Wine Making Style

* - Old Vines
* - Dry Farmed Vineyards
* - Fully Mature & Ripe Fruit
* - Hand Harvesting and Sorting/Selection in the Vineyard
* - Pre-fermentation Maceration 3-5 days (Cold Soak)
* - Warm Fermentation using Native Yeast's
* - 12-18 Months in French & American Oak Barrels - Zinfandel (50% new)
* - 18-24 Months in French Oak Barrels - Cabernet Sauvignon (100% new)
* - Bottled without Filtration using Minimal Fining

To contact us:

Howell Mountain Vineyards
P.O. Box 521
St. Helena, CA  94574-0521
Telephone: (707) 967-9676
Facsimile: (707) 963-3920
Email: HwlMtnVyd@aol.com 
Mike Beatty's Email: MikeB8y@napanet.net

Howell Mountain Vineyards' web site is maintained by Tincknell & Tincknell, Wine Sales and Marketing Consultants

^©1999 Howell Mountain Vineyards. All Rights Reserved.