Tasting at Ladera Winery on Howell Mountain 1/26/2011

Tasted Wednesday, January 26, 2011 by Mike Kopanski with 425 views

Introduction

On a surprisingly warm January day in Napa Valley, somehow Dr. Forest Evans, Dr. Jennifer Root and myself found ourselves looking for wineries in the Howell Mountain District. This was our third stop; after Larkmead and Cade. We were well fed after having lunch at The Meadowood Grill. There was a lively crowd at this winery, where they had a tasting bar set up in the tank room just off the parking lot. This is Cabernet country, although I think we tasted one Syrah.

Flight 1 (5 Notes)

  • 2009 Ladera Sauvignon Blanc Howell Mountain 89 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain

    Very nice, just unique and different enough to get our attention. Made from cool climate grapes, this one really exudes the tropical fruit side of Sauvignon Blanc. They tell us they have some clones of Sauvignon Musque, whose natural characteristics lean toward tropical flavors. Only a small amount of the grassy nose and flavors. They stir the lees a bit. It sees a small quantity of oak treatment. All this leads to a relatively heavy mouth feel, with nicely rounded edges. The pineapple and pomegranate fruit is bright and focused. The acid, reminiscent of green apples is under control, and compliments rather dominates. Greenish golden color. Refreshing finish.

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  • 2007 Ladera Cabernet Sauvignon High Plateau Napa Valley 91 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    Of the 4 Cabernet's tasted at the winery tasting room, this was the most approachable. Part of that is due to the excellent 2007 vintage, part is because these people know their grapes and how to convert them to very good wine. I'm not sure they designed this as approachable, it just happened. I mean they used 44% new French oak, so they intended for it to age, and I'm sure it will. We have plenty of Cabernet color. The nose is pure fruit, with some oak. The blueberry, blackberry and red cherry fruit is open, elegant, and comfortable with itself. Enjoy now, or drink later. Superb balance and integration. The finish just makes you smile, and want another sip. I think this is best described as complete, rather than complex.

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  • 2007 Ladera Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 90 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    This is a solid 90 point wine. Sourced from 2 elevated hillside vineyards on the east (Howell Mountain) side of the valley, and combined with small amounts of Bordeaux blending grapes, this wines comes across as complete, balanced and well rounded. Plenty of skin contact after fermentation resulted in deep dark Cabernet color. Fruit, violets and vanilla on the nose. Almost every fruit flavor component we associate with Cabernet appears here in various quantities. It starts with ripe plum and blackberry, but also exhibits small amounts of some of the red fruits, especially cranberry. There are many non fruit enhancing flavors like cola and licorice. Already 3 plus years old at tasting, the oak and alcohol have integrated with the tannin and acid to make this wine just about ready to drink, although it can last for many years, if not more.

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  • 2006 Ladera Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain 88 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain

    By now we know that 2006 was a struggling year for the gape growers and wine makes. Although this is a very decent wine, when tasted following it's 2007 Napa Valley designated sibling, this easily shows some of the difficulties of the vintage. True this is more of a single vineyard wine that may take a little more time to come around than a blend, but still this one is more earthy, austere and tannic. There is still lots to like with this one. Only medium dark in color. The nose is kind of meaty. I really like the cranberry flavor this vineyard must tend to produce. There is dark cherry, blueberry, and black currant. Pretty harsh tannins. There is some cocoa on the finish.

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  • 2006 Ladera Cabernet Sauvignon Lone Canyon Vineyard 91 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    Considering my relative disappointment with Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from the 2006 vintage, this one really shines. There are many reasons for this, among them; the single vineyard concept, with well drained, steep terraces, continuing with, gentle and intelligent handling of the gapes, must, and yeast, resulting in a style that is as close to vintage proof as possible. The red and dark fruit, especially red cherry. is intense and focused. There are layers of the non fruit enhancing flavors, especially licorice, cocoa, and fig. The wine maker has nicely controlled the tannins. The oak has helped round everything into a tasty, full bodied, luxurious red wine that is distinct.

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