Highlands Howell Mountain Zinfandel

Highlands Howell Mountain Zinfandel is a bold, old-vine Zinfandel from Napa Valley's Howell Mountain AVA, bottled at 750ml with approximately 15% ABV. Sourced from some of the oldest Zinfandel vines on Howell Mountain — with plantings dating back to 1914 — this wine draws its character from over a century of root depth in the volcanic mountain soils that define this elevated appellation.

Quick Facts: ABV: ~15%  |  Origin: Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California  |  Old Vine Zinfandel  |  Producer: Highlands Winery

Production & Heritage

Highlands Winery sources fruit from heritage Zinfandel vineyards on Howell Mountain, a rugged sub-appellation perched above the Napa Valley fog line at elevations between 1,400 and 2,200 feet. The mountain's well-drained volcanic soils naturally stress the vines, producing smaller berries with concentrated flavors and firm structure. After harvest, the wine is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, a regimen that integrates oak spice without overwhelming the varietal's inherent fruit intensity. The use of vines dating to 1914 places this among the older plantings still producing commercially in Napa Valley.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe raspberry and cassis, layered over darker notes of licorice and toasted cedar. As the wine breathes, mocha and warm chocolate brownie aromas emerge alongside a trace of white pepper.

Taste: Entry is generous with raspberry and blackberry fruit, moving through a mid-palate of pomegranate and cherry cola. The French oak influence shows as measured cedar and baking spice, providing a frame rather than dominating the fruit. Despite its weight, there is a notable tension across the palate that keeps the wine lively.

Finish: Medium-long, with lingering dark berry and a dusting of cocoa powder. Soft tannins and gentle warmth round out the close without excessive heat.

How to Drink Highlands Zinfandel

Serve at cool room temperature, around 60–65°F, in a large-bowled glass that allows the complex aromatics to develop fully. A brief 20-minute decant helps integrate the oak and open up the fruit layers. While old-vine Zinfandel is a natural choice for drinking on its own, this bottling holds up well in a bold Zinfandel Sangria built with stone fruit and cinnamon for a rich seasonal punch. It also anchors a Kalimotxo variation when combined with quality cola, playing off the wine's existing cherry-cola character. For a creative cocktail, try it in a red wine New York Sour, where its concentrated fruit and oak spice float beautifully atop bourbon and citrus.

Best For

• Anchoring a Napa Valley-themed dinner with grilled meats
• Gifting a red wine enthusiast who appreciates old-vine heritage
• Collecting as part of a vertical or horizontal Howell Mountain tasting
• Weekend entertaining alongside a charcuterie and aged cheese spread

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Highlands Howell Mountain Zinfandel taste like? This wine delivers ripe raspberry, blackberry, and cherry cola fruit supported by mocha, toasted cedar, and white pepper from 18 months in French oak. It balances concentration with palate tension, avoiding the jammy heaviness sometimes associated with high-alcohol Zinfandels.

How does Highlands Zinfandel compare to Howell Mountain Vineyards Old Vine Zinfandel? Both source old-vine fruit from the Howell Mountain AVA and share the concentrated, structured profile typical of this elevated appellation. Highlands tends to emphasize French oak refinement with its 18-month barrel program, while Howell Mountain Vineyards leans into its estate vineyard identity and longer vine history.

Is Highlands Zinfandel good for sipping neat? Yes — the layered aromatics, old-vine concentration, and balanced tannin structure make it well suited to drinking on its own, ideally after a short decant to let the oak and fruit harmonize.

Where is Highlands Zinfandel made? It is produced by Highlands Winery using fruit from the Howell Mountain American Viticultural Area (AVA) in Napa Valley, California. Howell Mountain sits at high elevation above the valley floor, with volcanic soils that produce distinctly structured, intense red wines.

What foods pair well with Highlands Zinfandel? Grilled lamb chops match the wine's spice and berry fruit; smoked brisket complements its cedar and mocha notes; aged Gouda echoes its richness; mushroom risotto bridges the earthy undertones; and dark chocolate desserts mirror the cocoa and berry finish.

What sizes does Highlands Zinfandel come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format for this wine.

Is Highlands Zinfandel worth the price? As a single-AVA, old-vine Zinfandel aged in French oak from one of Napa Valley's most respected mountain appellations, it positions in the premium tier for California Zinfandel. The century-old vine sourcing and extended barrel aging justify its placement above entry-level Napa reds.

Why Highlands Zinfandel?

The defining asset here is vine age. Fruit from vines planted as early as 1914 delivers a depth and complexity that young-vine Zinfandel simply cannot replicate — deeper root systems access more minerals, and lower yields naturally concentrate flavor. The 18-month French oak aging program adds polish without masking varietal character, a balance many producers in this price range struggle to achieve. Howell Mountain's combination of elevation, volcanic soil, and above-fog-line sun exposure produces Zinfandels with more structure and less residual sweetness than their valley-floor counterparts. For anyone serious about exploring what California Zinfandel can achieve at its upper register, this bottling represents the intersection of terroir and heritage.