Ladera 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon - Howell Mountain

Vineyard Notes:
Ladera’s Howell Mountain vineyard is very much in keeping with our philosophy of sourcing grapes from high quality, hillside locations; a perfect compliment to the Lone Canyon vineyard across the valley. The Howell Mountain vineyard is located at an elevation of 1600 to 1800 feet, with gently rolling terrain. The soils are iron-rich, red, clay loam soils with an abundance of gravel for excellent drainage. Because of the elevation, the climate is very different from the valley floor of Napa. It tends to be above the fog line in the summer and so receives sun for a longer duration during the day. Because of the higher elevation, the temperatures are cooler in the day and warmer at night than the valley floor. The longer sun exposure and warmer nights allow Cabernet Sauvignon to ripen every year. The resulting wines are soft and elegant, with a finesse reminiscent of wines from Bordeaux.

The 2003 growing season was very cool. For those growing grapes on Howell Mountain, an already cool area, a season with below normal temperatures can be nerve wracking. Fortunately the rain stayed away until we finished picking the last of the grapes on October 30th and we were able to enjoy a long, slow harvest. As always, it was a low yielding year at Howell Mountain at less than 2 1/4 tons per acre—normal for Howell Mountain, but low for most of Napa Valley.

Winemaker Tasting Notes:
The 2003 Ladera Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is a characteristic wine for Howell Mountain. The cool year allowed the fresh fruit aromas to develop and show through in the wines. It is full of toasty wood and black and red fruits—blackberry, plum, currant and cherry. This wine wonderfully expresses both the vineyard and vintage characteristics. The palate shows the terroir of Howell Mountain with its velvety, lingering tannins, in combination with rich, vibrant flavors: all products of a mild climate.

Technical Notes:

Appellation:	Howell Mountain
Harvest Dates:	October 30, 2003
Bottle Date:	August 19, 2005
Oak:	22 months in new (73%) and used (27%) French oak