Indulge in the bold elegance of the Cade Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain, a wine that epitomizes the power and refinement of Napa Valley's iconic Howell Mountain AVA. Crafted from meticulously cultivated grapes grown at high elevation, this full-bodied Cabernet delivers a mesmerizing bouquet of ripe blueberries, violets, cocoa, and roasted coffee, with hints of graphite and iron adding depth. On the palate, its robust structure showcases layers of boysenberry, dark chocolate, cinnamon, and clove, balanced by velvety tannins and a soaring finish. Aged to perfection in French oak, this wine reflects the unique volcanic soils and cooler climate of Howell Mountain, producing intense flavors and remarkable aging potential. Ideal for collectors or special occasions, pair it with hearty red meats or aged cheeses for an unforgettable experience.
Process & Profile
The Cade Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is meticulously produced using grapes from high-elevation vineyards situated at 1,500 to 1,850 feet. These vineyards benefit from volcanic soils and cooler climates, resulting in wines with exceptional acidity, intense fruit flavors, and structured tannins. The winemaking process involves:
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Fermentation: A short maceration period with peak fermentation temperatures of 92°F ensures concentrated color and flavor extraction.
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Aging: The wine is aged in French oak barrels, imparting nuanced layers of spice and vanilla.
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Blend & Composition: Crafted predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon, with small portions of Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Merlot adding aromatic and textural depth.
The combination of meticulous winemaking and the Howell Mountain terroir yields a wine with bold character, vibrant acidity, and a complex profile.
Tasting Notes
The Cade Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain captivates the senses with its layered aromas and flavors:
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Aromas: The nose reveals a bouquet of blueberry, red cherry, dried cranberries, cocoa nibs, and baking spices.
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Flavors: Rich flavors of boysenberry, black cherry, elderberry, dark chocolate, and licorice unfold on the palate, accompanied by hints of clove and amaretto.
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Finish: The wine concludes with a long, velvety finish featuring bramble, dried fruits, and a touch of minerality.
This full-bodied wine is framed by fine-grained tannins and refreshing acidity, making it both bold and balanced.
What Makes It Special
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Howell Mountain Heritage: The wine's origins in the rugged, high-altitude vineyards of Howell Mountain lend it a distinctive structure and intensity, showcasing the best of Napa Valley terroir.
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Winemaker Expertise: Under the guidance of masterful winemaker Danielle Cyrot, this wine seamlessly marries power with elegance.
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Acclaimed Quality: Praised by critics, it consistently earns high scores for its depth, complexity, and drinkability, with the potential to age gracefully for 15 years or more.
How to Enjoy
Pairing Suggestions:
This robust Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully with hearty dishes such as:
- Grilled ribeye steak or braised short ribs
- Rich mushroom risotto or lamb shanks
- Aged hard cheeses like Gouda or sharp cheddar
Serving Tips:
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Decanting: Decant the wine for 30–60 minutes to allow its aromas and flavors to fully blossom.
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Serving Temperature: Serve slightly below room temperature, at around 60–65°F, for an optimal experience.
Aging Potential: While stunning now, this wine will reward those who choose to cellar it, evolving in complexity over the next 10–15 years.
Indulge in the Cade Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain, a wine that masterfully combines the boldness of mountain fruit with refined craftsmanship, delivering an unforgettable tasting experience with every sip. Whether you're planning a special occasion or looking to enhance your collection, this wine is a testament to the excellence of Napa Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cade Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain?
Cade Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is a premium wine crafted by Cade Winery on the slopes of Howell Mountain in Napa Valley. Renowned for its rich, full-bodied structure, it features complex flavors of dark fruits, cocoa nibs, baking spices, and licorice, with polished tannins and vibrant acidity. The wine highlights the unique terroir of the high-elevation Howell Mountain region and embodies the luxury and elegance of Napa Cabernet Sauvignons.
What does Cade Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain taste like?
This wine offers a complex bouquet of aromas, including blackberry, cherry, cola, cocoa nibs, and baking spices. On the palate, you'll find layers of boysenberry, elderberry, dark chocolate, and clove, complemented by hints of licorice and herbal undertones. Its finish is marked by notes of bramble, amaretto, and dried blue/black fruits. The wine is full-bodied with balanced acidity and refined tannins.
What makes Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon unique?
Howell Mountain Cabernets are revered for their bold structure, vibrant acidity, and deep, concentrated flavors, owing to the region's high elevation and volcanic soil. Wines from Howell Mountain often possess great aging potential and display a unique interplay of ripe fruit and savory complexity, distinguishing them from lower-elevation Napa Valley wines.
What foods pair well with Cade Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain?
This robust wine pairs beautifully with hearty dishes. Ideal options include grilled ribeye steak, braised short ribs, lamb shanks, and rich mushroom risotto. For lighter pairings, aged cheeses like mature cheddar or gouda work wonderfully. The wine's dark fruit and chocolate notes also complement a mole sauce or dishes with similar savory-sweet profiles.
What is the aging potential of Cade Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain?
Cade Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon has excellent aging potential. It can be cellared for up to 10-15 years or more, during which time its flavors and tannins will continue to evolve and integrate, adding to the wine's complexity.
Is Cade Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain organic?
Yes, Cade Winery practices organic farming methods. Their commitment to sustainable viticulture underscores their goal of producing exceptional wines while respecting the environment. Additionally, Cade Winery is Napa Valley's first winery to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, demonstrating their dedication to eco-friendly practices.
What is the alcohol content of Cade Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain?
The Cade Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon typically has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of approximately 15.6%, reflective of the bold and concentrated style of wines from this region.
How should I serve Cade Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain?
For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine at slightly below room temperature (around 60–65°F). Decanting is recommended to allow the wine to breathe and soften its tannins, unlocking its full aromatic and flavor potential. Let the wine sit in the decanter for about 30 minutes before serving.
What are critics saying about Cade Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain?
Cade Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon has received high praise from critics. Jeb Dunnuck and Vinous both awarded the 2019 vintage 95 points, highlighting its opulent dark fruit, polished tannins, and vibrant acidity. The Wine Advocate also rated it 94 points, emphasizing its fine-grained texture and energetic finish.
Why should I choose a Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon?
Howell Mountain Cabernets, like Cade's, are renowned for their bold structure, exceptional complexity, and unique terroir-driven characteristics. They offer a showcase of Napa Valley's elevated vineyard potential, with wines that are both powerful and elegant, making them a standout choice for collectors and enthusiasts alike.