Spence Vineyard

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This venture began with a passion for place. The proprietors Jacalyn and Allen Spence, did not start the process the same way many wineries have. They lived on Howell Mountain for several years before planting a single vine so that they might understand the particular dynamics of growing at this location.

 

They brought the property back to life from a neglected state, pruning the overgrown 40-year-old table grape vineyard while renovating the fruit orchard. All in all, they would recover more than 50 fruit trees.

 

To test their commitment to the craft of winemaking, and to learn the process, they began buying small lots of grapes to make home wine. Their first Cabernet began as a winning bid at the Howell Mountain Elementary School benefit auction. They assisted an experienced winemaker in making the wine from that lot of grapes. The next year, with the help of friends, they bought more grapes and made the wine in their garage. They have fond memories of standing in the cold, tasting from the barrel, then going inside for dinner to critique the developing wine.

 

From that first vintage, they fell in love with the challenges of winemaking, and committed to its pursuit through uncountable hours of research and viticulture and enology classes at Napa College. 

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WINES

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2014 Spence Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain

$720 net 750ml  (300 cases) 

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2014 Spence Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain

$384 net 375ml

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Rich, dense and plush, this elegant Cabernet reveals black cherry and chocolate notes with hints of nutmeg spice. Flavors follow through on the palate complemented by the slightly smoky vanilla character of the French oak barrels. Elegant, polished and well balanced with supple tannins and a smooth finish.