The poor soils, an abundance of rocks and the dry, temperate climate found in the Howell Mountain AVA combine to create vines that are stressed, producing smaller clusters and berries and lower yields than their valley floor counterparts. Fortunately, however, this hostile environment results in concentrated and intensely flavorful berries. They exhibit a nose and taste profile that is unique to the AVA. This profile is expressed in the wine by robust earthiness, minerality and an intensity of fruit that is not found anywhere else in the valley. The wines have a depth and balance that lead to age ability, but also, under the care of Sam Kaplan’s winemaking skills, can be appreciated upon release. This is the payoff for the difficult and tedious work that goes into the planting and cultivation of these vineyards, especially if farmed organically, and the care and fanatical attention to detail in the winemaking. Our Estate wines reflect the Howell Mountain characteristics, but because of its orientation on the Western shoulder of the mountain, also exhibit our own unique terroir profile.