More about 2016 Bravante Howell Mountain Merlot Bravante Vineyards is a boutique producer located on top of Howell Mountain, neighboring Cade, Arkenstone, and Lail Mole Hill vineyards. It's an area revered for producing Bordeaux varietal wines that critics award with high accolades each year. The Howell Mountain AVA was the first sub-appellation within the Napa Valley AVA due to its unique microclimate with rocky soils comprised of volcanic ash and gravelly loam at an elevation ranging from 1,400 to 2,300 feet, sitting just above the fog line. The relatively high altitude creates a more moderate climate than experienced on the valley floor, lengthening the growing season and allowing a slow but complete development of intense aromas and flavors. The grapes for the 2016 Merlot were hand-harvested from individual blocks that winemaker Duane Dappen expertly blended to represent a true Howell Mountain expression.