Premium Cabernet Sauvignon From Howell Mountain

Red wine with grapes in vineyard

Lillian's Vineyard

In 2001, prior to planting my initial vineyard, Dr. Daniel Roberts, aka Dr. Dirt, was employed to analyze my volcanic soils and to design a 3.5-acre vineyard to complement the Howell Mountain terroir that was to be planted. Several weeks of analysis and research, including my climbing into the large soil test pits that were dug in order for me to have a better understanding of why wines from this terroir could be so unique and special, resulted in a decision to plant rootstock 3309 with Bordeaux clone 337.

  • I believed these vineyard combinations could soften the highly tannic wines produced in this appellation while improving overall balance without reducing grape complexity or concentration.

  • The remaining 1.5 acres were planted in 2004 after years of effort to secure timber harvest and erosion control permits from the appropriate state and county commissions.

  • I named this vineyard in honor of my mother, Lillian Cohen.

  • My mother instilled in me the belief to work as hard as I can toward any goal I choose to pursue.

Scenic vineyard in golden light

The Knoll Vineyard

As a result of Dr. Roberts earlier soil analysis, a second 3-acre vineyard was planted as well in 2004 on a knoll resting 100 ft. above the farmhouse and initial plantings. Even though this vineyard is on the same property, the soils proved to be very different, being deeper and richer, enabling us to plant rootstock 112 with clone 4.

  • I feel this combination will deepen the potential of this already vigorous young vineyard and complement my earlier vineyard development.

  • I use cover crops such as rose clover, crimson clover, and Blando brome to support vineyard health and soil quality.

  • These cover crops complement the vines I have already planted and help maintain balance in the vineyard ecosystem.

  • I remain committed to sustainable farming practices in my vineyard management approach.