I'm visiting Napa next week and would like to taste Howell cabs, etc., the bigger/bolder/earthier the better. Thinking of Spring Mountain, St. Clement, Pride, White Cottage Ranch. Any alternative tasting room suggetions? (Please excuse my naive terminology, thanks.)
With the proviso that I don't buy or drink much Napa Cab any more (though I bought quite a lot from '77-'94) I can give you my recommendations from my years of visiting and tasting in the valley. For Howell Mtn Cabernets specifically, I'd look to La Jota (not the biggest wines around), Robert Foley (former Pride winemaker) and Dunn (flagship Howell Mtn winery). Dunn never used to welcome visitors, but perhaps that has changed in recent years. Outside of Howell Mountain, other sources for big-boned Cabernets are Chateau Montelena in Calistoga and Robert Phelps in St. Helena.
Have fun, and feel free to ask more questions should you have them!
Mark Lipton
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