2010 Arkenstone Obsidian

Arkenstone Vineyards on Howell Mountain has been a long-time labor of love for Ron and Susan Krausz. The couple bought 42 acres of pastureland and undeveloped hillside in 1988 without any particular plans to grow grapes. But surrounded by grape growers and winemakers, they eventually had the site analyzed for its grape growing potential by Philippe Melka, a legendary winemaker and viticulturalist. Melka was impressed, and the first vineyards were planted in 1998. The 13 acres of vineyards were planted to red and white Bordeaux grapes including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. There also is a small amount of Syrah. Arkenstone’s first commercial release was the 2006 vintage and today the winery makes premium red, white and rosé wines. Sam Kaplan is winemaker and general manager. Arkenstone produces about 1,800 cases a year. The winery also produces a portfolio of wines from non-estate grapes that come from nearby vineyards situated at about the same 1,400 – 1,650-foot elevation as Arkenstone. The winery calls these non-estate wines its NVD, or Native Vista Domaine wines. The name of the winery comes from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, in which the “Arkenstone” is a gem representing all that is precious.

Howell Mountain AVA in Northeastern Napa Valley was the first of Napa Valley’s sub-appellations, earning its own designation in 1984, just a year after Napa Valley became an appellation. As the name suggests, the AVA is in one of the highest elevations in the area. Every vineyard in the appellation is at least 1,400 feet above sea level. Some vineyards are as high as 2,200 feet and because of their altitude most of the AVA’s vineyards receive more sun than vineyards at lower elevations, which are affected by fog from the Pacific Ocean and the San Pablo Bay. Howell Mountain was home to vineyards in the late 19th century, but winemaker Randy Dunn is considered the area’s most influential modern pioneer. Dunn moved to Howell Mountain in 1979, acquired property and began making exceptionally rich Cabernet Sauvignon. The AVA also grows Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. There are 600 vineyard acres within Howell Mountain AVA.