Elite Howell Mountain Cab. Under $40
Howell Mountain Cabernet under $40 is practically unheard of in Napa Valley. But when lead winemaker Reed Renaudin (of Amicus and DuMOL fame)—often called the "Robin Hood" of Napa wine—pairs up with the team behind Grand Napa and Heir Apparent, rules get broken in the best way possible.
Meet the 2023 X Winery Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon.
True to its name, X Winery keeps things simple: no absurd Napa markups, no additives, just pure, high-elevation mastery in the bottle.
Tasting Notes
Grown at elevation on Howell Mountain, this Cabernet Sauvignon offers layers of blackberry and dark cherry with subtle hints of cedar, cocoa, and toasted oak. Rich and concentrated, it is supported by fine tannins and fresh acidity that bring balance and length to the finish. Approachable today, it also has the structure to reward additional time in the cellar.
Food Pairings
Grilled Rib Eye Steak · Lamb Sliders · Roast duck with a cherry reduction · Roasted Eggplant · Cheddar cheese · Flourless chocolate cake
Vintage
Wine Spectator rates the 2023 Napa Cabernet vintage with a preliminary score range of 94–97 points, describing it as a growing season shaped by a wet winter followed by a steady, dry, and cool climate.Growing Season & Character. A wet winter replenished water supplies, leading into a steady, dry, and cool growing season. Mountain-grown Cabernets from appellations like Howell Mountain (sitting above the 1,400-foot elevation line) benefit from these cooler, steady conditions, typically yielding distinctive, structured wines with bright fruit and fine tannins.
Howell Mountain
One of the first sub-appellation of the Napa Valley AVA, Howell Mountain rises well above the valley fog. While coastal fog blankets the valley floor, the mountain's weather remains sunny and cool, as it sits at higher elevations, starting at 1,400 feet and reaching 2,300 feet resulting in warmer nights and cooler days compared to the valley floor. Its higher elevation yields nearly twice the rainfall of the valley below, yet the rocky, porous volcanic soil drains well, resulting in drier conditions. Cooler spring temperatures delay bud break, while warm summer nights foster a harmonious balance of acidity and sugar in the fruit. This gradual growth process produces small, concentrated grapes that yield robust, complex yet well-balanced wines. A truly unique combination of factors producing a diverse range of complex flavors in your glass. Overall, the altitude and rocky, dry soil conditions create wines with firm structure, incredible varietal intensity, and excellent aging properties.
Winemaker: Reed Renaudin (of Amicus and DuMOL fame)
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Howell Mountain, Napa Valley
Aging: 20 months
Barrels: 50% new French Oak barrels
Alcohol: 13.9%
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
