This year the hum of tractors will become a regular sound at the Jones homestead... we’re planting our very own vineyard! Since Paravel is the newest member of the Howell Mountain Vintners and Growers Association, (www.howellmountain.org) we figure we better grow some grapes! Plus, a beautiful, sweeping, treeless acre of our land has always been just begging to be planted to vines, so we’re giving the land what it wants. Soil has been turned up, rocks are being carted away, and another of Jon’s far-off dreams is coming closer to reality: he’s slowly evolving into a farmer.

In the Fall there will be soil amendments and cover crops, in the Winter we will map out rows and drive in stakes and install water systems, and next Spring there will be vines. We’ll plant Jon’s favorites - Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon - and Paravel will have it’s own Estate Vineyard on Howell Mountain. In an auspicious twist, the first bottled vintage from the new vines should come just in time for our 20th wedding anniversary.

In other news, we are hard at work with a talented web-designer friend in turning our website into a beautiful and informational place to visit. Meanwhile, take a minute of your time to learn more about Howell Mountain. Pay particular attention to Summit Lake Drive. Our vineyard will sit among some of the best on the Mountain, whose winemakers often stop to chat about our plans and give us their advice. You can be sure we’re listening.

If we were ever to send a vintage of Paravel to the wine writers to be scored, this would be the one. For those of you who’ve been with us since the beginning, three vintages of Paravel reds now make you a collector, working on a beautiful vertical. The 2013 Cab is the first of its name, so stock up and hang on to it!

2014 Calistoga Sauvignon Blanc

Sweet hibiscus with a dollop of honey on the nose, meyer lemon and powdered sugar on the tip of the tongue. This dry Sauvignon Blanc is perfectly balanced. A wet stone minerality and a lemon twist finish. Sip it cold while swinging lazily in a hammock.

2014 Howell Mountain Henry Brothers Ranch Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon

This pomegranate flesh-colored Rosé is sure to please. A slight cherry Kool-Aid on entrance moves quickly to raspberry & watermelon candy notes, enhanced with fresh forest floor strawberries. Rich entry through complex mid-palate, enjoy with grilled meats and veggies.

100% Howell Mountain Henry Brothers Cab and Petite Sirah, pressed at the perfect pink moment

2013 Howell Mountain Henry Brothers Ranch Petite Sirah

A nose full and then some! Classic Howell Mountain fruit greets with cracked black pepper and intense blackberry on the nose. This wine is seamless from entry to finish with fresh vanilla bean, dusted cinnamon & raspberry jam to guide through the rich, full mid-palate. Creamy caramel & blackberry swoop back in to add to the lengthy, complex finish.

100% Howell Mountain Petite Sirah, Henry Brothers Ranch

2013 Howell Mountain Henry Brothers Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon

Ripe, dark black cherry and sweet fresh tobacco with dusty powdered dark chocolate on the rich, velvet entry. Intense but tame tannins step up as the mid-palate expands to caress the towering structure of this Howell Mountain gem. You’ll want a few of these in your cellar, friends.

95% Cabernet Sauvignon + 5% Petite Sirah = 100% Howell Mountain fruit, Henry Brothers Ranch

As a member of the Paravel Wine Club, you are welcome to purchase 6 bottles of each red, unless you’ve made a special arrangement with Jon. The Rosé and Sauvignon Blanc are available on a first come, first served basis. To order, fill out the attached form and e-mail it to info@paravelwines.com.

Wish us luck and we wish it back,

Jon and Jaime Jones