ANGWIN, Calif., June 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Mike Beatty, proprietor of Howell Mountain Vineyards announced the appointment of his new winemaker, Bryan Kane.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130606/PH27544-a )
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130606/PH27544-b )
"Bryan has been making wine from Beatty Ranch fruit for nearly a decade and currently assists at a couple other Howell Mountain wineries. His passion for mountain fruit has lead him to develop his own estate vineyard in the Mayacamas Mountains," said Beatty. "With his dedication to mountain grapes and years of experience making wine with Howell Mountain Vineyards fruit, Bryan was a natural choice to spearhead our winemaking efforts."
Kane joins the list of notable winemakers that previously led Howell Mountain Vineyards over the last several decades including James Hall (Patz & Hall), Ted Lemon (Littorai), and Dave Phinney, known for his wine The Prisoner (Orin Swift).
Ultimately striving for balance with regards to alcohol, pH, and oak treatments, Kane employs a minimal interventionist philosophy, taking advantage of the natural superiority of the land. He uses only fine French oak barrels, opting against racy American oak, or heavy use of any one cooperage. Utilizing a barrel by barrel approach, Kane embraces proven, old-world winemaking methods, using native yeast, natural secondary fermentation, and minimal racking with no fining or filtering. Recently recognized as one of the "Next Generation Cult Winemakers" by Sommelier Journal, Kane's non-interventionist technique has defined him as one of the pioneers in the "natural wine" movement.
Over the last ten years, Kane has worked out of several wineries like Copain (next to the likes of Donum, DuMOL, and Carlisle) and Nicholson Ranch (where Shrader Cellar and others were made), and is currently the winemaker for The Winery SF.
Kane hand crafts two Howell Mountain Vineyards wines, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon, the two varietals for which the region is best known. The current release includes Howell Mountain Vineyards 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon and the Howell Mountain Vineyards 2010 Old Vine Zinfandel, both available at howellmountainvineyards.com
About Howell Mountain Vineyards
Started in 1988 by two prominent Howell Mountain vineyard owners, Howell Mountain Vineyards and its wines have been an integral part of the emergence and development of this AVA in the wine industry. Today, led by Mike Beatty, grower of the famed Beatty Ranch, Howell Mountain Vineyards continues its focus on quality in the vineyards while embracing bioharmonic principles.
Contact:
Amanda Sargisson
Email
Phone: 707-637-9400
Cell: 650-400-9656