Two weeks ago I and my son and Daughter-in-law visited Mark Neal's winery at Howell Mountain, Napa ( Angwin). While it was a Saturday and the winery was closed- Kelly the asst. winemaker was kind enough to come out and give us a private tour. Mark has spared no expense in setting up the bottling and labeling equipment- which is unusual for a small winery- and the caves are full of some really good juice. We tasted several of the current releases, and both the Napa Cabernet and Howell Mountain are superior but for goodness sake get the Howell Mountain before it is gone. Broad shoulders and drinking very good right now but will certainly stand cellaring for years.

I lamented the discontinued Neal Chardonnay, but got a good explanation from Kelly but watch out there is a new white coming in the next year, and get the Zin when you can in the spring as this year's is all gone. All things considered the folks at Neal are just what you expect- down to earth, centered in wine but good humored and gracious.

Thanks Mark for setting this up and for Kelly for coming out on a Saturday-- Norm