Driving Napa’s Howell Mountain Road offers a change of pace. The winding, narrow road cuts through eastern Napa Valley’s rolling hills. It’s the opposite of Highway 29’s straight shot up and down the valley floor. Make a sharp turn off Howell Mountain onto Big Rock Road and take that to Ric Forman’s winery at the end to complete the journey to another world. Forman’s spot feels like nowhere else: remote, but decidedly comfortable.
Forman is a Napa wine legend whose curriculum vitae includes a who's who of equally legendary Napa wineries and winemakers. He planted his own vineyard more than 40 years ago, and now makes the wines with his son Toby. Find out what we think of their newest vintages.
Member-Only Content
Premium SubscriptionJoin today and get immediate access to this article, and to our entire database of more than 400,000 wine ratings. It only takes moments—but it will help you drink better all year long.
Already a member? Sign In

Try Winespectator.com Free for 30 Days!
Full access to our database of more than 425,000 wine ratings
Early access to reviews on our editors' favorite just-rated wines
Wine and food pairing tool,
chefs' pairing recommendations
Best value wines and winery intel
Subscribe today