92pts Wine Specator

Briary wild berry aromas open to complex, well-structured flavors of blackberry, licorice and cracked pepper. The tannins are big, but fleshy and ripe. Drink now through 2024.

91pts Wine Enthusiast

A firm structure and great balance have this wine poised for a long life. Ripe black cherries and tangy raspberries are backed by good, firm tannins that give a palate-cleansing effect and keep each sip lively. Best from 2026-2036.

Vintage Notes

The 2019 vintage couldn’t have been better for us at Howell Mountain Vineyards.
It was the first time in over 40 years at the Beatty Ranch that we did not once have
to run frost protection, allowing the set to be balanced, producing near perfect clusters.
During the growing season, we had a well-balanced year with few extreme heat spikes.
The one thing that capped off the year is that we had a near perfect autumn. The
temperate weather throughout September, October and into November allow for
maximum hang-time, leading to exceptional quality. We began harvest on October 21st
and ended on November 4th, allowing our old vines to fully ripen the fruit.

Tasting Notes

Our 2019 Old Vine Zinfandel comes from the oldest vines in Howell Mountain planted
prior to prohibition. In 2018, the fruit was nearly perfect, showcasing classic old vine spice
with the structure of mountain fruit. On the nose, this wine produces a melody of fruit
starting with red cherry notes leading to darker black cherry notes followed by a layer of
white spice. On the palate, layers spice dominate the entry supported by a rich, focused
mid-palate of black raspberry and dark cherry fruit with hints of cloves and crushed granite.
The finish is supported by well integrated tannins and a layer of acidity which expose
lingering notes of white pepper spice and creme de cassis.