Lamborn Family Vineyards - 2019 2200' Howell Mountain Red Wine
Lamborn was founded by Brian Lamborn's grandfather, who was an agent with both the FBI and CIA, in 1969 when there were only 25 wineries in all of Napa Valley.
Now into their fourth generation, their wines are 100% estate and organically grown, all farmed by Lamborns. With the exception of winemaking, which is done by Heidi Barrett, Lamborns operate every facet of our business. Heidi has made some of California's most notable cult wines, including Screaming Eagle, Dalla Valle Vineyards, Paradigm Winery, Amuse Bouche, Vineyard 29, Fantesca and others.
Named after their elevation at 2,200’ on Howell Mountain, their vineyard lies well above the 1,400’ level where the appellation begins and is just shy of the summit. At 2,200’ they are one of the highest vineyards in Napa Valley.
There aren’t many Cab/Zin blends on the market. Why? Because today’s standard Zinfandel style is that of opulence, alcohol, and jamminess, three characteristics that do not lend themselves to a balanced blend.
Lamborn's Zinfandel style has been described by Robert Parker as “elegant and refined” and “a Cab lovers Zin.” Because Heidi creates such balance and their Zin shares many Cabernet characteristics, it blends seamlessly with our Howell Mountain Cabernet. Heidi is known for crafting balanced wines and this is a perfect example.
The beginning of the 2019 growing season was defined by heavy rainfall and late soil moisture. The long, warm summer saw very few extreme heat events and cool mornings, setting the stage for vibrant and expressive wines. The long, relatively mild finish to the season, not without its moments of unpredictability, helped to preserve freshness and finesse in the fruit with abundant hang time teasing out great color, structure and soft tannins. Volume was right on par with what they expected. All in all, exceptional fruit with bright acidity and ample texture promises an amazing vintage.
Lamborn has no public tasting room. They produce approximately 1,800 cases of wine among Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Rose.
Production: 571 cases
Appellation: 100% Howell Mountain
Varietal Composition: Cabernet Sauvignon: 60%, Zinfandel: 40%
Harvest Dates: Sept. 30th (Zin) and Oct. 18th (Cab), year 2019
Barrel Aging: Cabernet is aged for 22 months in 34% New French Oak, Zinfandel is aged for 22 months in 22% American Oak
Tasting Notes:
Like a fragrant country summer evening, the nose offers attractive cherry, raspberry, and blueberry notes with an underlying hint of orange zest. Accentuated with an oak regimen from both French and American cooperage, the rich fruit aromas are complemented with subtle river rock and dust nuances. Similar to the nose, rich and silky layers of vine-ripened berries and tart cherry give way to dark chocolate and a luscious mouthfeel with moderate tannins.