In 1998, we mourned the loss of family friend and shareholder Frank Stout. He was a partner with us at Duckhorn Vineyards, both as an investor and as one of our many independent Napa Valley growers. Frank was known for his charitable contributions to cultural institutions and his large circle of friends. After Frank's passing the vineyard he owned on Howell Mountain was put up for sale. We immediately made an offer and purchased the 43-acre parcel, 36 acres of which are planted to vines. We had begun purchasing grapes from this vineyard in 1982, and these grapes have been the cornerstone of our Howell Mountain Merlot.

The Stout Vineyard is located in the celebrated Howell Mountain appellation, one of the Napa Valley's most sought after, ultra-premium wine growing regions. Located east of St. Helena, the appellation consists of approximately 14,000 gross acres of mountain slopes ranging from 1,600-2,000 feet in elevation (most of the acres are not plantable). As a result of its topography, soils and climate, Howell Mountain has distinctly different grape-growing conditions than the valley floor. Often during the summer months the maritime fog seeping into the Napa Valley below will not reach the mountaintop. While this blesses the mountain with more moderate temperatures and more hours of sun, the vines must struggle to survive in harsh volcanic soils of gravel and clay. Growing grapes on Howell Mountain can be a logistical nightmare - water is scarce, cultivation is challenging, and yields are low - yet working with grapes from Howell Mountain is a winemaker's dream.

The vineyard is planted to 20 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, 9 acres of Merlot, 3 acres of Cabernet Franc, 3 acres of Zinfandel, and 1 acre of Petit Verdot. The Zinfandel will be utilized by Paraduxx, while much of the Cabernet is considered for the Estate Cabernet. We also consider producing a Stout vineyard-designated wine with each vintage - what better way to honor the memory of Frank, our long-time friend and partner.