When it comes to O'Shaughnessy Estate, it’s their remarkable vineyard sites that are the true stars of the show. Nestled in the highly sought-after Napa mountain terroir of Howell Mountain and Mount Veeder, O'Shaughnessy has established itself as a pioneer since Betty O'Shaughnessy set up shop on Howell Mountain in the mid-1990s. Since then, their blended Cabernet has captivated wine enthusiasts for nearly two decades.

The Vineyard

Howell Mountain, the second oldest AVA in Napa Valley after Carneros, is renowned for its prestigious hillside regions. Even Robert Parker himself recognizes O'Shaughnessy as a “superstar estate on Howell Mountain, with winemaker Sean Capiaux as the driving force behind these impressive reds.” Quite the compliment when you consider fellow esteemed estates that have chosen Howell Mountain for their vineyards, such as Abreu, Dana Estates, Hundred Acre, Lokoya, and Dunn, just to name a few!

Many of Howell Mountain's vineyards are planted on volcanic soils, while iron-rich clay is also common. These soils force the vines to produce small, intense grapes, rather than leafy foliage. The resulting intensity is beautifully reflected in O'Shaughnessy's wines, offering a firm tannic structure and exceptional aging potential.

Today, O'Shaughnessy's Howell Mountain vineyards predominantly consist of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by 5% Merlot, approximately 3% each of Malbec and Petit Verdot, along with a touch of Cabernet Franc, Carmenère, Gros Verdot, and Saint Macaire. This harmonious blend of varieties creates O'Shaughnessy's Cabernet-dominant blend, showcasing up to seven different grape varieties in their Howell Mountain wine.

The Winemaker

Winemaker Sean Capiaux has played an integral role in O'Shaughnessy's journey, crafting every single vintage since the winery's inception. Sean has been instrumental in the winery's success by guiding new vineyard plantings and introducing additional Bordeaux varieties to elevate the quality of the wines.

What's truly astonishing is that O'Shaughnessy's Cabernet Sauvignons offer an exceptional drinking experience that surpasses their price range. Remarkably affordable, these wines allow you to savor the splendor of one of Napa's most prestigious vineyard sites for under $150. Immerse yourself in the excellence of O'Shaughnessy Estate and experience the magnificence of their remarkable wines.