lamborn family vineyards

Located on the top of Howell Mountain this little winery was a wonderful discovery. We sat down with Mike Lamborn for about an hour or so. Talking with Mike about wine was so enjoyable. I could have sat there all day and talked with him and he made me feel like I was welcome too. Of course I had other appointments and I am sure he had other things to do as well. They only have six arces planted, but the make the most of them. Four acres of Cab and 2 of Zin. This was the best Zin I have tasted outside of Dry Creek Valley. I came for Cab though and these did not disappoint in the least and I had high expectations going in. Their winemaker is the famed Heidi Barrett, so it should be no surprise that these cabS were great. Mike was pouring the 2010 Cab and although it was a little young I really loved it. We got to try the 2005 and 2007 cabs as well. My wife loved the 2005 best, but I loved 2007 the most. We bought some of all three cabs. We tasted on the back porch overlooking Pope Valley. Mike said that Pope Valley was limited in the kinds of grapes that could be grown there, but is sure is pretty to look down at from 2,200 feet. Mike'sh house is not some huge castle like you find in some places in Napa Valley, but he has the coolest oven/pizza oven made of soapstone right in the middle of the house. How awesome is that? Appointments are required, and they only have about 2 spots available most days. The 2010 Cab costs $100 a bottle and we thought it well worth it and I don't say that lightly. If you started in downtown Napa it will take you about 30 minutes to get here, but it is well worth the trip. I would advise making the most of the trip though and visiting some of the other fine wineries on Howell Mountain. This had definitely made the list of must stops now. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.