The best California "cabernet" you'll never taste

[Byron_Dooley]

@Jacki Bessler

I will agree with Bob. Byron’s Howell Mountain is stunning. I’m also a big fan of the rest of his wines. I’m spoiled in having easy access to them. So , Bob.

Not to sound too much like a circular fan club (although I suppose it is), but the appreciation for the BTW wines is mutual. Their '07 Pinot Gris is one of the very best I’ve had. In general, I’m hyper-critical of Oregon variants on the varietal, but when I close my eyes and taste this one, I’m reminded of a Grand Cru Alsatian Pinot Gris. I can’t wait for the '08 Gris, not to mention the Riesling…

[Byron_Dooley]

@Gordon Fitz

Thanks Bryon;

Do you do tours and tastings? Would love to see your patch of earth and how you do things. Toward the end of July I would love to sit something up with you for sometime Aug 13-15.

Absolutely. In this industry, probably the only thing I enjoy as much as pouring for folks, is being in the vineyard – it’s a gem of a site. Let’s touch base end of July and set something up. I’ll be looking forward to the visit.

[Tim_Corliss]

@Byron Dooley

Bob’s right – we sold the property in order to purchase land and plant Pinot noir in Oregon. The Howell Mtn Property was only 2.5 acres on which 1 acre was plantable. I planted 11 different clones of the 4 varieties mentioned earlier. I was only able to make one vintage of wine from the property before we moved. The wine I made from the prior year was 100% Cabernet I purchased from a vineyard in St. Helena (on the border of Rutherford). A whole different animal…

if you don’t mind me asking…who did you sell the vineyard to?

[Gordon_Fitz]

Bryon;

Expect the call, I’m looking forward to it!

[Byron_Dooley]

@Tim Corliss

if you don’t mind me asking…who did you sell the vineyard to?

That’s one to tell over a pour sometime. it’s a long and personal story, with both comedic and tragic elements, that I’d rather share face-to-face than on the internet machine…