FROM THE WIRES...
Neal Family Vineyards, a boutique Howell Mountain estate winery that specializes in crafting Cabernet Sauvignon from meticulously farmed, 100% biodynamic, and 100% estate vineyards on their signature Howell Mountain and Rutherford Dust properties in Napa Valley.
Neal Family Vineyards’ founder, Mark Neal, was one of the first (if not the first) grape growers to farm biodynamically in Napa. After growing up in the vines in Rutherford, he now runs the vineyard management company his father founded, Jack Neal & Son (JNS), which is collectively the largest biodynamic farming operation in America.
The vineyards Mark farms were first certified organic in 1984, well before there was any marketing benefit to green farming. He’s been walking the vineyards almost daily since 1966 (2022 will be Mark’s 56th harvest) and today, his vineyard management clients run the gamut, from mom-and-pop wineries (like Neal Family!) to storied sites like Heitz’s Martha’s Vineyard.
When it came time to create his own label, Mark naturally didn’t cut any corners, using only biodynamic, certified organic estate grapes. He keeps the grapes’ integrity intact with no fining, filtering or acidulating. Family-owned and operated, few wineries can claim this much Napa history, winegrowing chops, business savvy, hospitality expertise, and organic/biodynamic credentials as Neal Family can.
Mark holds his wines back for five years before release. Please find his latest vintages below for your sampling consideration:
· 2017 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon (SRP: $100) - Exhibiting true varietal character, this wine is unctuous, with a round body and incredible aromatics. The mouthfeel is further complemented with dark fruit, spice, and earthy notes. This 100% cabernet sauvignon from Neal Family Vineyard’s Howell Mountain Estate is artistically put together from Mark’s favorite vines on the property. 100% certified organically farmed.
· 2018 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (SRP: $60) – This 100% Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from Neal Family’s Howell Mountain Estate and Rutherford Dust Estate Vineyards. The dark crimson wine has an excellent depth of color. Generous aromas show a harmony of fruit and oak seamlessly melded together. A full and even palate, the marriage of fruit and oak continues with red and black fruit, caramel, and a savory undercurrent. The concentrated, dense texture finishes with fine cocoa powder tannins. Nuances of mint and notes are reminiscent of cedar while sandalwood adds complexity. 100% certified organically farmed.
Sample.
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