The first wine I ever made was a single barrel experiment with a friend of mine. A special little project, a treasure tucked away in a corner on the crushpad at Robert Mondavi Winery. That was 23 vintages ago, but I remember it all vividly. I wasn't a winemaker when we started, but I knew I would be when I tasted that wine. Over 23 growing seasons, 23 harvests and 23 cellar cycles on, I've had just as many pet projects: side experiments, special in some distinct aspect. Usually tucked in a cellar corner, but given a little extra attention, to see if that extra translated into a better wine. Most times it did.

I'm at a pretty gratifying point now that I'm making my own wine my own way, where those pet projects are just becoming standard practice. Barrel fermentations, lots of vineyard TLC, in-depth blending sessions, hand-waxing bottles. Details. Extra. That's what makes it fun for me. That's why I still love winemaking.

Years like 2023 are a farming dream I don't want to wake up from. The vintage in the vineyard right now is enjoying one of the more perfect growing seasons I've ever seen: no hard Spring frost, Summer sun consistently between 85-95 degrees, with occasional cool breezes and no wildfires. A boon for every winemaker on Howell Mountain for the 40th anniversary of our appellation. I'll keep knocking on wood.

Now to the wines in bottle. 2021 is our first vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon from the Alchemy vineyard, a Howell Mountain gem new to the Paravel collection. Fondest memories and much gratitude to Henry Brothers Ranch for our beginnings, and for the fruit that made our first several vintages. Truthfully, I've been eyeing Alchemy Cab for years and am so excited to finally share it with you. Enjoy.

2021 Howell Mountain Estate Petite Sirah, “THE ARBITER”

Oh Petite Sirah. Seeing our estate vineyard develop and mature is magical. Black cherry cheesecake with graham cracker crumble, ripe wild blackberry, vanilla bean and matcha with hints of black peppercorn, new leather, cigar leaf and chocolate cake batter. Juicy blackberry and raspberry preserve entry with a bright and lush strawberry daiquiri mid-palate to a rich, exquisite finish.

2021 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, "ALCHEMY"

A succulent sun-ripened strawberry entry with layers of ribboned silk chocolate frosting entice. Ripe black cherry, sarsparilla, blackberry juice, and candied apple with hints of shaved cinnamon stick, cedar hope chest, cherry bark and dark chocolate espresso bean. An incredibly rich and seamless mid-palate of fresh caramel, candied pecans and toasted pistachio nut to an uber balanced and integrated finish of dusted cocoa powder, lychee and cherry juice.

These wines are extremely limited. Large formats of Petite Sirah and Cab are available on a first come, first served basis. Inquire about pricing.

Cheers to pet projects,

Jon and Jaime Jones