Salty Goats Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain 2022

The origin story of Salty Goats is a true expression of Napa's wine community. Owner/Winemakers Joe Harden and Phil Holbrook are colleagues at  Nickel & Nickel, where they make some of Napa's most iconic Cabernet Sauvignons. Their label began after venturing to the Sonoma Coast as they did at the end of each harvest. There was an undeniable pull to the ocean's edge, so the two adventurers would head to the Sonoma coast in Joe's powder-blue 1982 Volkswagen van to enjoy fresh ocean breezes and taste the intriguing Pinots made there.

One fateful day, Joe and Phil got lost as they meandered the lonely coastal roads and stopped by a nearby farm to gain their bearings. It was here, on the side of a winding road, that they met Harry the Goat. Harry made a lasting impression, standing confidently with his 3-ft long beard and piercing stare. The farmer shared Harry's story: a 4th-generation Kiko goat who truthfully acted a bit more dog-like than goat-like. At this moment, the name "Salty Goats" was born, highlighting the historical relationship between goats and growers and the salty, biting ocean air.

Not forgetting their day jobs in Napa, and the access to great fruit in their backyard, they recently incorporated a Howell Mountain Cabernet into their small portfolio of handcrafted wines.

This is another special piece of Howell Mountain not widely known. Does it seem like every time you think you know all of the Howell Mountain vineyards by name or location, another one materializes that has been producing great fruit for at least a decade or more? To me, Howell Mountain is still a land of discovery. If you are up to to it like we are, let's go on this Odyssey!

The Salty Goats Cab is from the Diogenes Ridge Vineyard. At 1500-1800 feet in elevation, it is surrounded by pine trees and a top-of-the-world classification of beauty. Planted in 2001, it is farmed Certified Organic with Joe and Phil having implemented regenerative farming practices for a more native approach to stewarding the land and a commitment to ensuring the land thrives for generations to come. The grapes live up to Howell Mountain's lore of creating wines with remarkable intensity, depth, and structure. While cellaring can bring added complexities, decanting now can offer a look into its beauty immediately.
Refined and Pure. Only 150 cases made.

"Aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, and dark cherry, complemented by notes of graphite, cedar, and crushed rock. The palate is structured, with firm yet refined tannins that provide excellent aging potential. The Mountains vibrant acidity keeps the wine balanced and fresh."