Howell Mountain has been producing some of Napa Valley's most structured, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignons since it became the first sub-appellation within the Napa Valley AVA in 1984. Beringer's Year of the Dragon Cuvée draws on that tradition — a single-source Cabernet Sauvignon from Howell Mountain's white tufa volcanic soils, built to express the intensity and precision that the site is known for.
At a Glance
- Wine: Beringer Year of the Dragon Cuvée
- Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
- Origin: Howell Mountain AVA, Napa Valley
- Soil: White tufa volcanic, well-drained
- Style: Dense, rich, structured — concentrated dark fruit with mountain tannins and bright acidity
- Explore: Single Vineyard Wines
The Vineyard: Howell Mountain
Howell Mountain rises to the northeast of Beringer's home estate in St. Helena. It was the first area within the Napa Valley appellation to receive its own designated viticultural area (AVA), a distinction granted in 1984 in recognition of how distinctly the wines from this elevation differ from valley-floor expressions.
The key is the soil. Howell Mountain's white tufa volcanic soils are well-drained and low in nutrients — conditions that stress the vines and force them to produce small berries with a high skin-to-pulp ratio. That ratio is the foundation of the wine's character: more skin relative to juice means more tannin, more color, and more concentrated flavor extraction.
The mountain also runs 5 to 10 degrees cooler than the valley floor, but because vineyards at this elevation extend above the fog line, they actually receive more hours of direct sunshine over the course of a day. The combination of cooler average temperatures and longer sun exposure allows for extended hang time and slow, even flavor development — the conditions that produce wines with both depth and freshness.
The Vintage: 2021
The 2021 growing season began with concerns. Early conditions — low rainfall, high heat, high winds, and low humidity starting in May — pointed toward a challenging drought year. However, periods of rain arrived in early summer and refreshed the vineyards, improving conditions substantially. Mild temperatures through the end of the season allowed for steady ripening without the weather disruptions that had affected some recent prior vintages.
The result was a low-yield season with grapes that showed good concentration and balance — ideal conditions for Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, where the naturally small berry size and volcanic soils do their best work when the growing season is controlled and even.
The Wine: Tasting Notes
The Year of the Dragon Cuvée opens with brilliant, dense color. The nose leads with ripe blackberry compote and black licorice, accented by mocha and cardamom from oak integration, with lifted blue fruit aromatics rising from the glass.
On the palate: a plush, generous entry leads to a rich mouthfeel. Mountain tannins — integrated and precise — provide structure without aggression. Bright acidity carries the wine through a long, lingering finish. It's a wine that reflects the duality of Howell Mountain: concentrated and powerful, but alive and fresh.
The Celebration
Beringer hosted a Lunar New Year celebration at the estate to mark the release — featuring traditional lion dancers and their acrobatic performances, food pairings, and the Year of the Dragon Cuvée poured throughout the event. The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is traditionally a time for family, reunion, and the kind of shared joy that a great bottle of wine is made for.
Howell Mountain: A Closer Look
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Northeast of St. Helena, Napa Valley |
| Elevation | Above the fog line |
| AVA Status | First Napa sub-appellation (designated 1984) |
| Soil Type | White tufa volcanic, well-drained |
| Temperature | 5 to 10°F cooler than valley floor |
| Sunlight | More daily hours than valley floor (above fog line) |
| Berry Character | Small berries, high skin-to-pulp ratio |
| Wine Style | Concentrated, tannic, structured — excellent aging potential |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon?
Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon comes from a designated AVA within Napa Valley, established in 1984 as the first sub-appellation within the broader Napa Valley designation. Grown on volcanic tufa soils above the fog line, Howell Mountain Cabernet is known for small berry size, high tannin concentration, bright acidity, and the ability to age gracefully over a decade or more.
What makes the Year of the Dragon Cuvée unique?
The Year of the Dragon Cuvée is a single-source Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon crafted to express the character of one of Napa Valley's most distinctive growing sites. The white tufa volcanic soils, elevation-driven temperature differential, and extended sun exposure above the fog line produce a wine with concentrated dark fruit, integrated mountain tannins, and a long, fresh finish that sets it apart from valley-floor Cabernets.
What is the Lunar New Year?
The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most widely celebrated events in the world, observed across Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and other East Asian and Southeast Asian communities. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar year and is traditionally a time for family gatherings, reunion meals, and celebration. The Year of the Dragon, a symbol of strength, good fortune, and dynamism, is considered one of the most auspicious years in the 12-year zodiac cycle.
Where can I find Beringer's single vineyard and specialty wines?
Beringer's single vineyard and specialty releases are available through the Single Vineyard collection on the Beringer online store, and some are available exclusively through the winery's tasting room and wine club. Visit the Wine Club page for information on member access to limited releases.
Want to explore more mountain-grown Cabernet from Beringer? Discover the Bancroft Ranch and Pauli Vineyard wines from Howell Mountain in our Single Vineyard collection.
