2023 Howell Mountain Estate Syrah

By far our smallest production wine, the Estate Syrah is an Arkenstone team favorite inspired by the Krausz family’s love of hillside Syrah. It has long been one of our hidden gems. Grown on two separate vineyard blocks including one of our steepest on the Estate, the Syrah has found its sweet spot on Howell Mountain. The original plantings of the first block happened in 1998 consisting of .40 acres. What started as an educated guess after looking at soils and exposure was quickly confirmed a few years after that first leaf. We then added an additional .26 acres bringing our total acreage of Syrah to .66 acres here on our organically farmed estate vineyard. We are strong believers that Syrah deserves the best view in the vineyard and that is exactly what we gave it.

Vineyard

Arkenstone Howell Mountain Estate

Varietal

100% Syrah

AVA

Howell Mountain, Napa Valley

This wine is exclusively allocated to Arkenstone Collection Members and our mailing list.

Join the Arkenstone Collection

Wine Details

Vineyard

Arkenstone Howell Mountain Estate

Varietal

100% Syrah

AVA

Howell Mountain, Napa Valley

Aging

22 months in French oak

Production

101 cases

Release Date

September 1st, 2026

Vintage Notes

One of the decade's best growing seasons at Arkenstone Estate. A wet winter led to ideal cool, sunny conditions starting mid-April. Harvest ran from mid-September through October 18th with perfect, steady ripening—no heat spikes. Careful yield management of the abundant crop was key. Results: gorgeous aromatics with dark fruit and floral layers, excellent structure with outstanding acidity and tannins. Exceptional aging potential.

Reviews

98 Points - Jonathan Cristaldi (Decanter)

Planted in 1998 at the Arkenstone Estate, these Syrah vines occupy a dramatic vantage point and are sourced from Clone 877, a robust and reliable Rhône Valley ENTAV selection. Winemaker Sam Kaplan incorporates 6–10% whole-cluster fermentation, with the wine aged for 22 months in 75% new Remond oak. Year after year, this is a gorgeous Syrah, and in 2023 it is positively fresh, dynamic and brilliant—distinctly Californian, yet inevitably inviting comparisons to top-tier Northern Rhône examples through its lifted aromatics of violet, white pepper and savoury white-truffle charcuterie nuances. The palate is beautifully balanced and utterly seductive, with polished, satiny-velvety tannins seamlessly integrated around juicy blue- and black-fruited concentration. Full-bodied and expansive, the finish is long and resonant, marked by liquefied slate-like mineral intensity and a complex weave of Asian and Indian spice.

97 Points - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

The 2023 Estate Syrah is 100% Syrah, fermented using a small amount of whole clusters. Deep garnet-purple in color, it comes barreling out with bold notes of juicy blueberries, black cherry compote, and fresh plums, followed by hints of licorice, peppered salami, and garrigue. The full-bodied palate is decadently laden with rich black fruit layers and spicy accents, framed by lightly chewy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and peppery.

96 Points - James Suckling

Restrained, dark fruited, meaty and bold, with aromas of peppercorns, salt-cured meat, mountain scrub, graphite and licorice. The palate is full-bodied with a silken mouthfeel cut through with balanced acidity and bold yet refined tannins, showing all the savory, meaty and earth-driven character of syrah. A nod to the Northern Rhone. Excellent. Drink or hold. Only 100 cases produced.

95 Points - Jeb Dunnuck

Coming from two blocks on the estate on Howell Mountain, fermented with 8% stems and aged 22 months in 75% new French oak, the 2023 Syrah Estate offers darker berries, pepper, violets, truffle, and meaty nuances. It's medium to full-bodied, has a soft, supple mouthfeel, polished tannins, and a great finish. This rich, Hermitage-like effort will evolve nicely over the coming 10-15 years. Drink 2025-2040.

Estate
Vineyard

A scenic vineyard stretches out under a clear sky, with rows of green grapevines, lush trees in the background, and a small patio with chairs and a fire pit in the foreground.

A dark wine bottle with a maroon cap stands against a black background. The label reads 2023 Syrah, hinting at its distinguished origin. Low lighting highlights the elegant shape of the bottle.

Arkenstone:
from vine to bottle

The hallmark of Arkenstone wines, is first and foremost, well-crafted quality, with vintage-to-vintage consistency throughout our entire family of offerings. Our flagship Estate wines reflect our historic patience and care as well as our stunningly unique terroir. These wines are extremely well balanced and elegant, with a depth and robustness that will assure age-ability

“Howell Mountain’s classic minerality shines through, it’s both fresh and structured, promising impressive longevity.“

Jeb Dunnuck

One of the don't-miss projects on Howell Mountain is Arkenstone, a gem of a winery

Joe Czerwinski - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Join the Arkenstone Collection and receive exclusive access

Learn More

2023 Howell Mountain Estate Syrah

Arkenstone: from vine to bottle

“Howell Mountain’s classic minerality shines through, it’s both fresh and structured, promising impressive longevity.“

Jeb Dunnuck

Join the Arkenstone Collection and receive exclusive access

Other wines you may like

Arkenstone:
from vine to bottle