Reviews - Howell Mountain Vineyards

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
May - June 1999

1997 Old Vines Zin Howell Mountain: ($24): Good bright deep red. Sweet aromas of strawberry and loam. Sweet, supple, lush, fruit-driven zin with modest grip and acidity. Perfect for early consumption. Tannins are ripe and sweet. 89

1997 Zinfandel Beatty Ranch Howell Mountain: Bright red-ruby. Perfumed, complex aromas of redcurrant, chocolate, minerals, orange peel and game. Lush, sweet and full in the mouth; in an opulent, superripe style but not at all over the top and supported by sound structure. Finishes with excellent length and sweet but substantial tannins. Like the above, this wears its 15.5% alcohol rather gracefully. 91

1997 Zinfandel Black Sears Vineyard Howell Mountain: (16% alcohol and 10 grams per liter residual sugar): Bright aromas of dark berries, cracked pepper, maple syrup and exotic spices. Thick, sweet and lush; harmonious despite its alcohol and sweetness, and not at all port-like. Finishes with a wave of fruit and noteworthy persistence. A softer, less tannic style than the Beatty. 91

HOWELL MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS	1997 ZINFANDEL OLD VINE	HOWELL MOUNTAIN	$25.00	90 POINTS
"The 1997 Zinfandel Old Vine (from 25 to 80 year-old vines) exhibits a deep ruby/purple color, a fragrant, black cherry, mineral, peppery nose, explosive fruit, low acidity, and a rich, glycerin-endowed, fleshy, hedonistic mouthfeel. It will provide ideal drinking over the next 4-5 years."

HOWELL MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS	1997 ZINFANDEL BEATTY RANCH	HOWELL MOUNTAIN	N/A	90+ POINTS
"The 1997 Zinfandel Beatty Ranch (from 80 year-old vines) is more structured and tannic. The nose offers up black raspberry fruit intertwined with dusty soil, pepper, and mineral scents. Medium to full-bodied, moderately tannic yet gorgeously pure and layered, this Zinfandel may be even better with another 6-12 months of bottle age. It should keep for 7-8 years."

HOWELL MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS	1997 ZINFANDEL BLACK SEARS VINEYARD	HOWELL MOUNTAIN	N/A	90-92 POINTS
"The 1997 Zinfandel Black Sears Vineyard (made from 25 year-old vines) is a fat, chewy, full-bodied, beautifully-etched offering with gobs of black cherry, raspberry, and blackberry fruit. It reveals more glycerin and a chewier mouth-feel than its two siblings, as well as a plump, hedonistic, opulently-textured finish. I would opt for consuming this brawny (16% alcohol) yet seductive Zinfandel over the next 4-5 years."

	Reviews of Howell Mountain Vineyards Wines
June 15, 1999
93 Howell Mountain Zinfandel Howell Mountain Black Sears Vineyard 1997 What a mouthful of Zin. Brimming with ripe, plush, lush cherry, wild berry, cedar and spice, it’s wall-to-wall Zinfandel, with amazing depth and complexity. To be released fall 1999; drink through 2004. 400 cases made 91 Howell Mountain Zinfandel Beatty Ranch 1997 Tight, firm and fleshy, with a complex array of sage, anise, mineral and spice. Finishes with a tightly focused core of flavorful tannins. To be released fall 1999; best from 2000 through 2004. 275 cases made 91 Howell Mountain Zinfandel Howell Mountain Old Vine 1997 Tightly focused, rich and complex, with peppery, earthy cherry, wild berry, anise, sage and cedar flavors. Finishes with firm but flavorful tannins. Drink now through 2003. 923 cases made

Reviews of Howell Mountain Vineyards Wines