Clif Family Winery
2024 Cabernet Sauvignon
"Erta"
Howell Mountain AVA
Auction 30 | Lot No. 95
Vintage: 2024
Clif Family Winery
Cabernet Sauvignon
Howell Mountain
5 cases produced
Highlights
- Sourced from the rocky and volcanic soils of our organic Cold Springs Vineyard on Howell Mountain
- 100% Clone 4 Cabernet Sauvignon from the Erta Block, named after a high-altitude pass in Italy.
- Aged 22 months in 100% new French oak, this wine balances deep concentration, structure and grace.
- Erta captures Howell Mountain's rugged beauty and the adventurous spirit that inspired its name.
Description
A wine that embodies rugged beauty and refined elegance, the Erta Block Cabernet Sauvignon hails from the family’s organic Cold Springs Vineyard on Howell Mountain. Sourced from volcanic, rocky soils at 1,660 feet, this 100% Clone 4 Cabernet Sauvignon was aged 22 months in new French oak, achieving a perfect balance of deep concentration and graceful structure. This single-block, barrel-select bottling captures Howell Mountain’s bold character, offering collectors and enthusiasts a thrilling expression of mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. Named after the high-altitude Italian pass that inspired its owners, the Erta Block reflects endurance, elevation, and adventure in every sip.
Wine Facts
- Single vineyard wine
- Sustainably produced
- Organically produced (also commonly called "organically grown")
Laura Barrett
Winemaker, Clif Family Winery
Laura received her undergraduate degree from The University of Vermont where she received a BS in Chemistry. Looking to put her degree to use for more than just lab work, she decided to pursue a career in winemaking. Her first step along this path was a job with Stony Ridge Vineyards, a small wine producer located on Waikeke Island in New Zealand.
After deciding that winemaking was the career she wanted to follow, Laura returned to the United States and pursued a Masters in Viticulture and Enology at the University of California, Davis where she was quickly recognized as an up and coming winemaker. While studying at UC Davis she received the prestigious La Reve Foundation scholarship, awarded to female Viticulture and Enology students with outstanding academic standing.
After graduating from UC Davis, Laura became Assistant Winemaker at Fisher Vineyards where she worked for five years under the direction of celebrated consulting winemaker Mia Klein. In this role she learned to appreciate and understand the nuances of Napa Valley Cabernet.
Aspiring to move into a head winemaker position, Laura took a position with Casey Flat Ranch and spent the next seven years developing the wine program for this Capay Valley producer.
Laura Barrett joined Clif Family as Winemaker in November of 2014, bringing her passion for wine and her life-long love of science to the Clif Family Winery portfolio.
Country born: USA
Education: University of Vermont, BS in Chemistry
Masters in Viticulture and Enology at the University of California, Davis
Years in the wine industry: 20-30 years
Winemaking Philosophy:
As Winemaker, Laura brings her keen scientific knowledge, attention to detail and creative inspiration to the Clif Family Winery portfolio. Laura developed the final blends for Clif Family Winery's 2014 vintage wines and with the 2015 vintage assumes responsibility for the entire winemaking process.
Lakeshore Sport & Fitness
1320 West Fullerton
Chicago IL 60614
312-730-7333
Other Premiere Napa Valley Wines available from Lakeshore Sport & Fitness:
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rutherford Hill Winery | 2023 | Red Table Wine | Napa Valley | The Vista | 29 (2025) |
| STEREOGRAPH | 2023 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | 29 (2025) | |
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| Cliff Lede Vineyards | 2021 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | Bohemian Thrill | 27 (2023) |
| Hyde Vineyard Estate | 2022 | Pinot Noir | Los Carneros | 27 (2023) |
Winery Distribution
Clif Family Winery is distributed in the following markets. Please contact the winery directly for the most up-to-date distribution information and to explore commercial opportunities.