Bravante Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California

Bravante Vineyards is a Napa Valley boutique producer of handcrafted, very limited production Bordeaux varietal. The Howell Mountain AVA (American Viticultural Area) was the first location unique and distinct enough to receive a sub-appellation designation of California’s first AVA, Napa Valley. One of the most sought after, ultra-premium wine growing regions, located in the mountains east of St. Helena, the Howell Mountain AVA is defined by elevation, spreading across the mountain slope, its elevation ranging from 1,400 – 2,300 feet above sea level. Warm days and cool nights in the summer give rise to a wonderfully balanced chemistry within each tiny berry. As Autumn comes to the mountain, a slight temperature inversion consistently appears, resulting in ripeness that unleashes the bold flavors and structured tannins for which Howell Mountain is famous. Sparse well-draining soils of volcanic ash and gravely loam work in conjunction with the unique micro-climate to produce small amounts of extraordinary fruit per acre.