2018 GAIT Zinfandel Howell Mountain Napa Valley 750 ml

Finding high-end mountain Zinfandels from Napa is challenging. Securing one that hails from Howell Mountain—where Cabernet rules the landscape—is almost like finding a needle in a haystack. These mountain Zins are so few and far between that we couldn’t have told you the last time we sampled one—until our friend Trevor poured us his 2018 GAIT Zinfandel. 

What we tasted was the first rich and vibrant Howell Zin we’d had in years.

Given its prestige and exclusivity, it’s no surprise this wine came from Trevor, who’s got a reputation for scoring “unobtainable” grapes. He spent several years crafting sumptuous Cabernets up on Howell Mountain, so he’s got connections to top sites that your casual wine lover—and probably most professionals on the Valley floor—doesn’t know exist. 

In the phenomenal 2018 vintage, Trevor got a shot at Zin from an absolutely stellar site high on Howell Mountain. Without hesitation, he slapped his signature on an NDA and then crafted this stunning wine. 

This 2018 GAIT shows exactly why Howell Mountain is Zinfandel Xanadu. it’s got irrepressible aromas of spiced black plums accented by sun-kissed violets, lilacs, and hints of wild mint and dark cocoa shavings. The mouthfeel delivers a powerful rush of flavor, with layered red and black fruit perfectly balanced by a streak of acidity born of the high-altitude day-night temperature swings that Zinfandel loves.

Many California wine lovers have never had a sip of the distinctive and delicious Zin grown high on Howell Mountain. Luckily, you don’t have to be one of them. Don’t get caught wishing you’d taken advantage.