Dark ox-blood purple in color with some medium legs. Nose of blackberry seed, graphite, raspberry flesh, cocoa powder. Medium plus acidity, dry, high tannins, heavy bodied, high alcohol. Flavors of blackberry seed, graphite, charred black cherry, blueberry pie, and leather belt. Love this and can take years of aging.
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Much better than my previous bottle (note) more consistent with the 2022 review if not better. Drinking very well, in the sweet spot now, and likely for another 24-36 months. A moderate decant was necessary.
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Simply blissful to drink. Well integrated tannins. Fruit is present with a nice distinctive finish. I decanted for approximately 1-hour and drank over another hour. You can see if it gets better but this bottle of Cade reminds me of why I fell in love with their wine in 2010. For me what I like most is the overall weight of the wine not being too watery and not too chewy. It was really rich and concentrated without being overly bold. Sat really well with the dinner yet drank well on its own after dinner.
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I layed down these bottle for a few years to revisit. Approx 1 hour decant, this baby is definitely singing now and ready for business. It’s hitting its drinking window in full stride.
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Beautiful red plum color. Dark fruit and earthy aromas. On the tongue I initially get lightly tart dark berry fruit--cassis, blackberry. Lots of dust or earthiness mid-palate. Plenty of unresolved tannin--between that and the nice level of acid, I think this wine can continue to rest for a few more years. A big mouthfilling wine with a terrific lengthy finish.
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Big, bold and edgy. Not sure how to describe the fruit. Certainly plenty of blackberry but full of very dark fruit, clove, white pepper and maybe a bit of cinnamon. Big, grippy tannins and ultra full bodied, even after being open for four or five hours. This will improve over the next ten years.
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Opened and decanted about 6 hours before I tried it. First night this was ok, but so unremarkable that we poured it back in the bottle and went to bed after 1 glass each. Don't get me wrong this is a good wine, but for the price its nothing special.
Night 2 bumped this up a point or 2. Had with a pasta and sausage dish, things were more balanced. Weight and mouthfeel much improved. Some classic Howell Mountain notes trying to come through, but I still prefer some of the neighbors up on the mountain for the price point. Not sure ill seek this out again.
Onto my last wine brought with me on my visit to my daughter; it is not without suspense and drama! How’s that for a lead-in?
You see, while planning my trip I deduced how many meals we would be having and, consequently, how many bottles of wine we would likely need. All was fine until I learned that there had been a last-minute night out planned with the groom-to-be parents. That was more important than sacrificing a lone bottle.
That meant leaving the wine for my daughter and fiancé to enjoy the wine and yours truly to only dream of what would be; that was considerable as the wine was the:
A wine earning numerous outstanding reviews, it was a wine waiting to be enjoyed. Alas, that was not to be (notice the Shakespearean references?). So appropriate given that the winery name of Cade comes from Shakespeare as a term he used to describe wine casks, cades, shipped from Bordeaux to England.
I suppose I shan’t be too forlorn as I have had many vintages of this particular wine, and hope to have many more. As part of the PlumpJack Family of Wines, it joins that namesake winery along with Odette and its newest addition 13th Vineyard by Cade.
Focusing on high-elevation and organically farmed Howell Mountain fruit, Cade’s winemaker, Danielle Cyrot, continues to impress year after year. I even had the honor to meet Danielle sometime back while working at the wine shop. Guess it’s no wonder I’ve been enamored with her wines.
For this tasting, I had to rely on my daughter’s expertise as a wine connoisseur, to bring to light the flavors and exquisiteness of this Howell Mountain Cabernet and all that it brings with its lush and full-bodied fruit. Mind you, she doesn’t write reviews on a regular basis as I do. She just knows great wine.
Asking her for her comments, I received the following: “Definitely had some dark berry flavors and I could taste some graham cracker flavor. Overall, it was very smooth and full-bodied.”
The “graham cracker” comment had me a little discombobulated so I asked her to clarify. “The graham cracker reference was that the taste kind of reminded me of a s'more." Ah, chocolate, now that’s a taste I can understand. Her review was concise and to the point, much like the wine itself. I'll have to be content to dream about this wine, or I can head on out and look for the most recent vintage, likely 2018, or maybe wait for 2019, which is the most recent Napa vintage I’m zeroed in on. Either way, you can’t go wrong with this superb wine.
Cheers
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Aromas of black cherries, graphite, violets and oak. Silky tannins with plums, black cherries, raspberries , dark chocolate and tasty minerality typical of Howell Mountain fruit. Superb wine.
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Beautiful floral aromas with black cherry, raspberry and light oak. Flavors are complex led by plum, blackberry and black cherry. Some graphite and licorice with spicy tannins that lead to a 20-second finish.
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Drinking very well now. Inky, tannins were strong but integrated. Powerful, black cherry, cassis earthy. A bit extracted for some I suspect. Slightly sweet. Paid &84 per bottle which is way under the going rate and I wouldn’t pay much more as they’ve gone big with both sugar and alcohol to product a consistent yet high average wine. Prefer other Howell offerings at a lower price point.
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Typically love Cade Howell. This bottle was from their wine club and stored in the cellar. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great either. Very muted, unimpressive. Will try another one in 2-3 months, perhaps it’s just between zones? Comments welcomed as I’m trying to figure this out.
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Opened at the table for dinner with family.....it had about 30 min of air while we enjoyed another wine that was more ready from the pnp. This bottle really shined at about the 1 hour mark. Deep, dark heavy weighted fruit in the glass. Wonderful incense, leather and gentle barrel spice. This is a very pleasant drinker in a very nice window right now. Not much change either way the 2nd hour at the table. A very nice wine at the original purchase price of around $100.
Lush blue-black fruit, with cassis, pencil lead, and drying tannins. Ripe with some extraction, elegant and firm, at the beginning of a long drinking window.
This is a smooth, luscious cali cab. Great fruit. Not as syrupy as Caymus special reserve (any year), not as opulent as Bevan (triple e, 2014); is it excessive? Yes, but in moderation. The nose is immediately inviting, I detect strawberries of old (you remember when they had flavour, a personality?), but also fresh pancakes (really crepes) with a hint of lemon, cassis as well. The palate mutes these notes somewhat, but they are still present in the background, and the mouthfeel is delightful, textured. The finish is long, smooth. Hard to score. Also: was a little surprised that there is apparently a "premium" version of this now! What would that taste like, I wonder... More oak? Reminds me of what is going on with Macallan in the spirits world... Not sure, but I don't think that Cade has quite the cachet to play that game... nevertheless an excellent glass. No idea how long it will last in the cellar. Really curious about that. Had it with cuisine from Hawaii. It stood up to all the varied dishes impressively.
dark ruby, glass staining tears; blackberry, cassis, dark chocolate, licorice, spice; round, juicy, sweet dark fruit, good length; full bodied, medium acidity, nice tannic spine, 15.3% ABV; made from blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 7% Malbec, and 5% Petite Verdot aged 19 months in 79% new French Oak; p$97
A deep dark purple hue. The aromas are sexy and elegant with wafts of oak, graphite, leather and cardamom coming together like that awesome new perfume you just discovered. Cassis, blackberry, cocoa, and tobacco entangled with a firm grainy structured palate. An entire mouth drying encounter makes this wine feel and taste like the big bold Cabernet I have come to expect from Howell Mountain. A lengthy decant is warranted for this alluring potion. 94+ points.
Nose The wine has pronounced intensity with aromas of dark cherry, plum, blueberry, black currant, graphite, and earth.
Palate The wine is dry with high acidity, high tannins, high alcohol and a full body. The wine exhibits flavors of black currant, black licorice, blueberry, and black plum, with a medium finish.
Conclusions This wine is very good. The balance among the acid, tannins, and alcohol is very good, but this one needs several more years in the bottle to meld. Luckily, I have 4more and looking forward to opening another one in a few years to experience the difference. I expect the Rating to rise with time. Life and wine are good!
Closed off at first, however, with a few hours left to breath, this wine really begins to sing. Graphite/pencil lead on the nose with sweet cassis, dark cherries, tobacco, and a touch of oak. The palate is very fresh at this point, and already well integrated. Velvety soft tannins with lots of length and grip. A touch of chocolate on the finish. Long. Excellent now, but would love to try this wine in 3-5 years.
Rich, full-bodied blue-black fruit, with cassis, pencil lead, and drying tannins. Firm structure, some extraction sweetness, and a medium finish. Lovely purity of fruit, with elegance and restraint. Enjoyable now with several hours of air, and worth a hold.
Big Powerful but on the sweet side intense Cabernet. Not the firm or big finish characteristics that you would expect instead just juicy intense dry fruit bomb. Better after about a 90 minute decant but was great upon opening as well. Best wine of our tastings last night!
Wow! Pnp and what a mouthfeel right away!! Let it breath for 2 hours and it is so so smooth. On the sweet side, but layers and layers of the yummiest fruits. It drinks 2-3 times the price. And i don't agree it needs a lot more time to reach peak. Maybe 2-3 years or a good 3 h decant! I am definitely a fan now...
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Luscious! This baby is excellent now with air time. Will benefit with 3-7 years proper cellaring. Black cherry, smokey hints of licorice. Perfect with grilled steak and dark chocolate salted caramels. Celebrate with this!
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This wine had no Howell Mountain characteristics, seemed like a valley floor Cab. No telltale structure or firmness, instead it was rather sweet and lithe, in dire need of some lift. Drank this over 4 days. Disappointing compared to my initial tasting last year. I drank this with a Dunn Howell Mountain Cab for reference.
Dark ruby in the glass. Big nose of cassis and dark cherry with the palate the same. This is a full bodied, big, rich wine which is not surprising for a Howell Mountain wine. What is surprising is how well this is drinking early. Give a decent decant before drinking. This should only improve with time.
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RP 98, WS 93. (tasting notes from Amanda Danielson) tends toward smoky and silky as most Howell MT does. This exemplifies the appellation and over delivers year after year.
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This is a very good fruit foreword Howell Mountain Cabernet. It has a great nose of vanilla and baking spice. Like most Cade Cabernets, this wine is bright and very approachable with no hard edges. I pick up hints of toast, tobacco and nutmeg. The black fruit is full force and dense but not overpowering at all. The tannins are soft and nicely integrated...
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This very nice, well made, HOWELL MOUNTAIN!!!, Cabernet Sauvignon has been excessively polished. Howell Mountain CS, in its raw form, rules! This offering, by comparison, has been drawn, and had its soul ripped out. This aside, I would happily accept a glass if offered. 91-92.
Medium to full bodied, nicely layered, deep fruit (not too jammy) with cassis, blueberries mixed with toasty oak, spice, cedar, tobacco leaf. Actually better on day 2. Similar blend I think to the 2016 O’shaughnessy I Drank next to it. I thought this was tastier, as it was more open
Pop and pour. With a little air, firing on all cylinders with creamy cassis, sturdy tannins, licorice, spice, long finish. Drinking beautifully young and a splendid moderately priced Howell Mountain Cab.
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Tasted at a local store event. Dark and inky violet. Good weight and body, full and firm, but not heavy. Get some of this. Probably would score higher under different circumstances.
Every once in awhile I’m in the mood for a jammy wine. This one has a beautiful flavor profile of dark succulent blackberries , vanilla, baking spices. Really pretty astonished at the qpr of this wine. Drinks more like a 250 cult cab.
Pours almost black with violet along the edge. Dark jammy fruits (raspberry, stone fruits and some strawberry) on the nose with caramel and vanilla. Thick mouth feel. More red fruit on the taste, but still jammy and rich.
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This the first vintage with their new Howell Mtn. Vineyard in the blend, the 13th.
This very round, elegant & juicy. Dark currants/cassis, ruby, blackberries, creamy black plum & raspberries, signature HM blue fruit haunt, caramel, coffee, baking spices, dark Indian & Asian spices, dark chocolate, dark soils, clay and purple flowers. The finish very well balanced and polished. It persists endlessly.
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Easy 94....dark, rich, dense fruit as many of the '16s are. Balanced acidity, tannins not a factor. Great dark fruit, lots of weight in the mouth, maybe just a touch short on the finish. This seems like it will get a point or two better as it tames a bit over the next few years....has already picked up some weight in the bottle over the last 5-6 months.
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Winebar [1 Rosé, 3 Whts, & 8 Reds] from 07/12/19 + 2 Shared Reds (Vintage Wines Ltd., San Diego, CA): 77% C.S., 11% Merlot, 7% Malbec, & 5% P.V. sourced from the Cade Estate, Cade 13th, Ink Grade, Cold Springs, & Eagle Summit Vyds; "The wine received 19 mos barrel aging in 100% FR oak (79% new). Malolactic fermentation occurred in barrel immediately after primary fermentation. The wine was racked quarterly once malolactic fermentation was complete." 394 barrels produced.
P: MF, poss Med, body; RNDISH entry with very NICE, ALMOST swtish frt met by astringent pucker which, while staying within hailing distance of that init frt, transitions into a LONG, BALANCED finish with an elegant swtness to the dusty tannins. NEEDS through '21, then at least approaching its 10th. 15.3% ABV; My EXC/EXC+. 97 pts Jeb Dunnuck, 96+ pts WA, 94 Vinous (Galloni), & 92 WS. [Check with this vendor if interested in their very COMPETITIVE price.]
Note: Also tasted 11/24/2018 & 3/8/2019, TNs fairly consistent
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Wow! One of the best wines I tasted on this Napa excursion. Tasted in the Cade 13 Cellar. Very approachable and yummy. Ready to drink or hold for 2 years and it will probably pick up a point or two. Beautiful on the nose and the palate. Absolutely delicious.
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Medium plus nose shows rustic feel, dark red dust, black plum, cigar box, blackberry, graphite, crushed violets. Palate is big style, matches the fruits, a little darker, adds espresso or coffee grounds, medium plus tannins, body, alcohol. Finish could use complexity, needs time there it feels.
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A day in Napa (Napa Valley, California): The nose is deep and pure with elegant tones of raspberries, black cherries, dark red fruits, cassis, mint, cedar, chocolate, violets, and spice notes. There is a lot of class and seamlessness to the nose that is a real joy to smell. The Full bodied feel is well balanced and polished with medium acidity and silky, high tannins. This is clearly youthful, but it is also really good. This is pure Howell Mountain and it is a real delight. This will certainly benefit from at least another 3 years and in reality another 5-8+.
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Winebar [1 Rosé, 3 Whts, & 8 Reds] from 03/08/19 (Vintage Wines Ltd., San Diego, CA): 77% C.S., 11% Merlot, 7% Malbec, & 5% P.V. sourced from the Cade Estate, Cade 13th, Ink Grade, Cold Springs, & Eagle Summit Vyds; "The wine received 19 mos barrel aging in 100% FR oak (79% new). Malolactic fermentation occurred in barrel immediately after primary fermentation. The wine was racked quarterly once malolactic fermentation was complete." 394 barrels produced
N: Slightly closed; RIPE berries with earth, rest tough to parse; Intensity lurking
P: MF body; NICE, almost swtish frt fairly quickly met by astringent pucker which fairly seamlessly transitions into a LONG, still very, VERY slightly puckerish finish with a discrete swtness (& very, VERY slight bitterness) to the dusty tannins. LOVELY stuff! NEEDS through '22, then drinking through the end of the decade? 15.3% ABV; My EXC/EXC+. 97 pts Jeb Dunnuck, 96+ pts WA, 94 Vinous (Galloni), & 92 WS. [Check with this vendor if interested in their *very* COMPETITIVE price.]
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Smells like its oak and its Howell mountain tannins. And rich and supple on the palate as well. This also has the fruit from the additional purchase. Full bore. Apparently the wine maker for this was seven month pregant when she started this harvest.
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I like it...just a bit thin when compared against Joe Blanton's Selah for example. Nice mountain fruit, great stuff in the mouth but lacking just a little to make it really, really good.
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Winebar [4 Whites, 8 Reds, & 3 *shared* bottles] from 11/23/18 (Vintage Wines Ltd., San Diego, CA): 77% C.S., 11% Merlot, 7% Malbec, & 5% P.V. sourced from the Cade Estate, Cade 13th, Ink Grade, Cold Springs, & Eagle Summit Vyds; "The wine received 19 mos barrel aging in 100% FR oak (79% new). Malolactic fermentation occurred in barrel immediately after primary fermentation. The wine was racked quarterly once malolactic fermentation was complete." 394 barrels produced
P: Med body; NICE frt met by astringent pucker which mitigates more than I'd have expected by the LONG, balanced, slightly spicy, very, VERY slightly bitter finish with a tangy/swtness to the surprisingly few, dusty tannins. Deserves/NEEDS through '20 (but could TAKE more), then should make at LEAST its 10th. Very impressive in a potentially elegant style. 15.3% ABV; My EXC/EXC+. 96+ pts WA, 93-95 Vinous (Galloni), & 92 WS. [Check with this vendor if interested in their *very* COMPETITIVE price.]
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3/18/2024 - kansasedubs wrote:
Selling for $223 in March 2024; rated 97 points
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3/13/2024 - kherbert098 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Dark ox-blood purple in color with some medium legs.
Nose of blackberry seed, graphite, raspberry flesh, cocoa powder.
Medium plus acidity, dry, high tannins, heavy bodied, high alcohol.
Flavors of blackberry seed, graphite, charred black cherry, blueberry pie, and leather belt.
Love this and can take years of aging.
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2/27/2024 - Rossdhu House Likes this wine: 92 Points
Much better than my previous bottle (note) more consistent with the 2022 review if not better. Drinking very well, in the sweet spot now, and likely for another 24-36 months. A moderate decant was necessary.
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1/13/2024 - Rossdhu House Likes this wine: 90 Points
Standard inky Cade Howell but this one seemed to be less complex with a little more alcohol showing. Not as good as it ought to be.
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11/19/2023 - ferronferron Likes this wine: 94 Points
Simply blissful to drink. Well integrated tannins. Fruit is present with a nice distinctive finish. I decanted for approximately 1-hour and drank over another hour. You can see if it gets better but this bottle of Cade reminds me of why I fell in love with their wine in 2010. For me what I like most is the overall weight of the wine not being too watery and not too chewy. It was really rich and concentrated without being overly bold. Sat really well with the dinner yet drank well on its own after dinner.
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11/1/2023 - Jhalpern27 Likes this wine: 93 Points
I layed down these bottle for a few years to revisit. Approx 1 hour decant, this baby is definitely singing now and ready for business. It’s hitting its drinking window in full stride.
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8/21/2023 - EMark Likes this wine:
Beautiful red plum color. Dark fruit and earthy aromas. On the tongue I initially get lightly tart dark berry fruit--cassis, blackberry. Lots of dust or earthiness mid-palate. Plenty of unresolved tannin--between that and the nice level of acid, I think this wine can continue to rest for a few more years. A big mouthfilling wine with a terrific lengthy finish.
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2/24/2023 - wconnolly Likes this wine: 92 Points
Big, bold and edgy. Not sure how to describe the fruit. Certainly plenty of blackberry but full of very dark fruit, clove, white pepper and maybe a bit of cinnamon. Big, grippy tannins and ultra full bodied, even after being open for four or five hours. This will improve over the next ten years.
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2/11/2023 - zanzabar Likes this wine: 90 Points
Opened and decanted about 6 hours before I tried it. First night this was ok, but so unremarkable that we poured it back in the bottle and went to bed after 1 glass each. Don't get me wrong this is a good wine, but for the price its nothing special.
Night 2 bumped this up a point or 2. Had with a pasta and sausage dish, things were more balanced. Weight and mouthfeel much improved. Some classic Howell Mountain notes trying to come through, but I still prefer some of the neighbors up on the mountain for the price point. Not sure ill seek this out again.
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11/15/2022 - Hi.its.Don.4.Wine Likes this wine:
Review by Proxy (DDF)
Onto my last wine brought with me on my visit to my daughter; it is not without suspense and drama! How’s that for a lead-in?
You see, while planning my trip I deduced how many meals we would be having and, consequently, how many bottles of wine we would likely need. All was fine until I learned that there had been a last-minute night out planned with the groom-to-be parents. That was more important than sacrificing a lone bottle.
That meant leaving the wine for my daughter and fiancé to enjoy the wine and yours truly to only dream of what would be; that was considerable as the wine was the:
Cade "Estate" Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
A wine earning numerous outstanding reviews, it was a wine waiting to be enjoyed. Alas, that was not to be (notice the Shakespearean references?). So appropriate given that the winery name of Cade comes from Shakespeare as a term he used to describe wine casks, cades, shipped from Bordeaux to England.
I suppose I shan’t be too forlorn as I have had many vintages of this particular wine, and hope to have many more. As part of the PlumpJack Family of Wines, it joins that namesake winery along with Odette and its newest addition 13th Vineyard by Cade.
Focusing on high-elevation and organically farmed Howell Mountain fruit, Cade’s winemaker, Danielle Cyrot, continues to impress year after year. I even had the honor to meet Danielle sometime back while working at the wine shop. Guess it’s no wonder I’ve been enamored with her wines.
For this tasting, I had to rely on my daughter’s expertise as a wine connoisseur, to bring to light the flavors and exquisiteness of this Howell Mountain Cabernet and all that it brings with its lush and full-bodied fruit. Mind you, she doesn’t write reviews on a regular basis as I do. She just knows great wine.
Asking her for her comments, I received the following: “Definitely had some dark berry flavors and I could taste some graham cracker flavor. Overall, it was very smooth and full-bodied.”
The “graham cracker” comment had me a little discombobulated so I asked her to clarify. “The graham cracker reference was that the taste kind of reminded me of a s'more." Ah, chocolate, now that’s a taste I can understand. Her review was concise and to the point, much like the wine itself. I'll have to be content to dream about this wine, or I can head on out and look for the most recent vintage, likely 2018, or maybe wait for 2019, which is the most recent Napa vintage I’m zeroed in on. Either way, you can’t go wrong with this superb wine.
Cheers
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8/4/2022 - jcampano Likes this wine: 96 Points
Aromas of black cherries, graphite, violets and oak. Silky tannins with plums, black cherries, raspberries , dark chocolate and tasty minerality typical of Howell Mountain fruit. Superb wine.
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7/3/2022 - fredman wrote: 94 Points
90 minute decant. Open for business. Drink now with confidence or hold.
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3/27/2022 - jcampano Likes this wine: 96 Points
Beautiful floral aromas with black cherry, raspberry and light oak. Flavors are complex led by plum, blackberry and black cherry. Some graphite and licorice with spicy tannins that lead to a 20-second finish.
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3/4/2022 - cdebeau Likes this wine: 92 Points
Cherry, plum
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2/21/2022 - Rossdhu House Likes this wine: 90 Points
Drinking very well now. Inky, tannins were strong but integrated. Powerful, black cherry, cassis earthy. A bit extracted for some I suspect. Slightly sweet. Paid &84 per bottle which is way under the going rate and I wouldn’t pay much more as they’ve gone big with both sugar and alcohol to product a consistent yet high average wine. Prefer other Howell offerings at a lower price point.
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1/30/2022 - Es7e2003 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Saturated purple in glass. Medium plus intensity on the nose. Cassis, blackberry, plum, coconut and sweet spice. Medium plus acidity and high tannins.
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12/26/2021 - Rossdhu House wrote: 90 Points
Typically love Cade Howell. This bottle was from their wine club and stored in the cellar. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great either. Very muted, unimpressive. Will try another one in 2-3 months, perhaps it’s just between zones? Comments welcomed as I’m trying to figure this out.
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11/21/2021 - happy712 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Decant 30 minutes. Beautiful wine.
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7/24/2021 - Sonoma-W Likes this wine: 91 Points
Quick dark purple in color. Great dark fruit. More oak/vanilla than expected.
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7/6/2021 - Kdad Likes this wine: 94 Points
Love this wine. Always consistent.
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6/6/2021 - Mark1npt Likes this wine: 95 Points
Opened at the table for dinner with family.....it had about 30 min of air while we enjoyed another wine that was more ready from the pnp. This bottle really shined at about the 1 hour mark. Deep, dark heavy weighted fruit in the glass. Wonderful incense, leather and gentle barrel spice. This is a very pleasant drinker in a very nice window right now. Not much change either way the 2nd hour at the table. A very nice wine at the original purchase price of around $100.
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5/23/2021 - Wine2372 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Lush blue-black fruit, with cassis, pencil lead, and drying tannins. Ripe with some extraction, elegant and firm, at the beginning of a long drinking window.
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4/9/2021 - Lahontan wrote: 95 Points
This is a smooth, luscious cali cab. Great fruit. Not as syrupy as Caymus special reserve (any year), not as opulent as Bevan (triple e, 2014); is it excessive? Yes, but in moderation. The nose is immediately inviting, I detect strawberries of old (you remember when they had flavour, a personality?), but also fresh pancakes (really crepes) with a hint of lemon, cassis as well. The palate mutes these notes somewhat, but they are still present in the background, and the mouthfeel is delightful, textured. The finish is long, smooth.
Hard to score. Also: was a little surprised that there is apparently a "premium" version of this now! What would that taste like, I wonder... More oak? Reminds me of what is going on with Macallan in the spirits world... Not sure, but I don't think that Cade has quite the cachet to play that game... nevertheless an excellent glass.
No idea how long it will last in the cellar. Really curious about that.
Had it with cuisine from Hawaii. It stood up to all the varied dishes impressively.
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3/27/2021 - Burgundio Likes this wine: 95 Points
Trumps any bordeaux at its price point
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3/17/2021 - ashikoh Likes this wine: 95 Points
dark ruby, glass staining tears; blackberry, cassis, dark chocolate, licorice, spice; round, juicy, sweet dark fruit, good length; full bodied, medium acidity, nice tannic spine, 15.3% ABV; made from blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 7% Malbec, and 5% Petite Verdot aged 19 months in 79% new French Oak; p$97
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2/13/2021 - CoryDean44 Likes this wine: 94 Points
A deep dark purple hue. The aromas are sexy and elegant with wafts of oak, graphite, leather and cardamom coming together like that awesome new perfume you just discovered. Cassis, blackberry, cocoa, and tobacco entangled with a firm grainy structured palate. An entire mouth drying encounter makes this wine feel and taste like the big bold Cabernet I have come to expect from Howell Mountain. A lengthy decant is warranted for this alluring potion. 94+ points.
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12/31/2020 - Libbidog Likes this wine: 92 Points
Appearance
The wine is deep ruby
Nose
The wine has pronounced intensity with aromas of dark cherry, plum, blueberry, black currant, graphite, and earth.
Palate
The wine is dry with high acidity, high tannins, high alcohol and a full body. The wine exhibits flavors of black currant, black licorice, blueberry, and black plum, with a medium finish.
Conclusions
This wine is very good. The balance among the acid, tannins, and alcohol is very good, but this one needs several more years in the bottle to meld. Luckily, I have 4more and looking forward to opening another one in a few years to experience the difference. I expect the Rating to rise with time. Life and wine are good!
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12/20/2020 - TMethvin1 wrote:
Drank with family for Amy birthday
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12/16/2020 - catowne1 wrote: 94 Points
Closed off at first, however, with a few hours left to breath, this wine really begins to sing. Graphite/pencil lead on the nose with sweet cassis, dark cherries, tobacco, and a touch of oak. The palate is very fresh at this point, and already well integrated. Velvety soft tannins with lots of length and grip. A touch of chocolate on the finish. Long. Excellent now, but would love to try this wine in 3-5 years.
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12/12/2020 - Wine2372 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Rich, full-bodied blue-black fruit, with cassis, pencil lead, and drying tannins. Firm structure, some extraction sweetness, and a medium finish. Lovely purity of fruit, with elegance and restraint. Enjoyable now with several hours of air, and worth a hold.
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12/5/2020 - happy712 Likes this wine: 94 Points
This is classic Howell Mountain fruit. Just fabulous! Needs 1.5 hours decant at this point (December 2020).
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11/26/2020 - TMethvin1 wrote:
Thanksgiving 2020
95
Our favorite
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11/12/2020 - R&R Likes this wine:
Not my normal note, but. . . really delicious! Could use another few years in bottle.
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11/7/2020 - winecadence Likes this wine: 93 Points
Outstanding.
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10/29/2020 - gamlingman Likes this wine: 92 Points
Big Powerful but on the sweet side intense Cabernet. Not the firm or big finish characteristics that you would expect instead just juicy intense dry fruit bomb. Better after about a 90 minute decant but was great upon opening as well. Best wine of our tastings last night!
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7/21/2020 - Myman24 Likes this wine: 96 Points
Wow! Pnp and what a mouthfeel right away!! Let it breath for 2 hours and it is so so smooth. On the sweet side, but layers and layers of the yummiest fruits. It drinks 2-3 times the price. And i don't agree it needs a lot more time to reach peak. Maybe 2-3 years or a good 3 h decant! I am definitely a fan now...
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7/5/2020 - Drgalen Likes this wine:
Very smooth. Hal a low barell rating snd then re rated
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5/10/2020 - Lawino7 wrote: 95 Points
Luscious! This baby is excellent now with air time. Will benefit with 3-7 years proper cellaring. Black cherry, smokey hints of licorice. Perfect with grilled steak and dark chocolate salted caramels. Celebrate with this!
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5/10/2020 - shawn_colley Likes this wine: 98 Points
Decanted for 30 then drank over 2 hours. Opened up nicely.
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5/5/2020 - wineotim wrote: 91 Points
This wine had no Howell Mountain characteristics, seemed like a valley floor Cab. No telltale structure or firmness, instead it was rather sweet and lithe, in dire need of some lift. Drank this over 4 days. Disappointing compared to my initial tasting last year. I drank this with a Dunn Howell Mountain Cab for reference.
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4/23/2020 - RayT Likes this wine: 93 Points
Dark ruby in the glass. Big nose of cassis and dark cherry with the palate the same. This is a full bodied, big, rich wine which is not surprising for a Howell Mountain wine. What is surprising is how well this is drinking early. Give a decent decant before drinking. This should only improve with time.
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4/21/2020 - TCcellar wrote:
RP 98, WS 93. (tasting notes from Amanda Danielson) tends toward smoky and silky as most Howell MT does. This exemplifies the appellation and over delivers year after year.
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4/18/2020 - CV Griz Fan Likes this wine: 96 Points
This is a very good fruit foreword Howell Mountain Cabernet. It has a great nose of vanilla and baking spice. Like most Cade Cabernets, this wine is bright and very approachable with no hard edges. I pick up hints of toast, tobacco and nutmeg. The black fruit is full force and dense but not overpowering at all. The tannins are soft and nicely integrated...
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3/6/2020 - Motz wrote: 91 Points
This very nice, well made, HOWELL MOUNTAIN!!!, Cabernet Sauvignon has been excessively polished. Howell Mountain CS, in its raw form, rules! This offering, by comparison, has been drawn, and had its soul ripped out. This aside, I would happily accept a glass if offered. 91-92.
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1/17/2020 - Matt T wrote: 92 Points
First time with this wine. Good concentration. Tannic with blue fruit and acid profile. This needs time.
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1/1/2020 - Franken Berry Likes this wine: 94 Points
Medium to full bodied, nicely layered, deep fruit (not too jammy) with cassis, blueberries mixed with toasty oak, spice, cedar, tobacco leaf. Actually better on day 2. Similar blend I think to the 2016 O’shaughnessy I Drank next to it. I thought this was tastier, as it was more open
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12/17/2019 - sailincarib Likes this wine: 94 Points
Excellent wine. A bit of tanning and a little dry. Let it rest for 4 hours which really brought out the balance.
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12/14/2019 - 3daywinereview.com wrote: 93 Points
Sunfish Cellars Napa Valley Extravaganza (Sunfish Cellars/I Nonni Minneapolis, MN): Really liked this wine. Young and needs time as this will evolve. Rich wine with smoke, blackberries, minerals, earth and oak. Picks up some dust on the finish. Long finish. Cellar this for five years.
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12/11/2019 - Quiet Lion Likes this wine: 96 Points
Pop and pour. With a little air, firing on all cylinders with creamy cassis, sturdy tannins, licorice, spice, long finish. Drinking beautifully young and a splendid moderately priced Howell Mountain Cab.
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11/25/2019 - wineotim Likes this wine: 94 Points
Tasted at a local store event. Dark and inky violet. Good weight and body, full and firm, but not heavy. Get some of this. Probably would score higher under different circumstances.
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11/15/2019 - havana4 🍾🍇 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Every once in awhile I’m in the mood for a jammy wine. This one has a beautiful flavor profile of dark succulent blackberries , vanilla, baking spices. Really pretty astonished at the qpr of this wine. Drinks more like a 250 cult cab.
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10/25/2019 - Thenewmanshow Likes this wine: 93 Points
Pleasantly surprised how well it’s drinking now. Can continue to age or if impatient don’t hesitate and pop it open!
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10/5/2019 - Orasiobecerra Likes this wine: 94 Points
Still very young. Fruit forward
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9/8/2019 - Delz Likes this wine:
Pours almost black with violet along the edge. Dark jammy fruits (raspberry, stone fruits and some strawberry) on the nose with caramel and vanilla. Thick mouth feel. More red fruit on the taste, but still jammy and rich.
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8/23/2019 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
Vanilla and mountain fruit on the nose, mountain fruit grip on the palate, lots of blue fruit with just a touch of red on top.
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8/17/2019 - Somm David T Likes this wine: 94 Points
This the first vintage with their new Howell Mtn. Vineyard in the blend, the 13th.
This very round, elegant & juicy. Dark currants/cassis, ruby, blackberries, creamy black plum & raspberries, signature HM blue fruit haunt, caramel, coffee, baking spices, dark Indian & Asian spices, dark chocolate, dark soils, clay and purple flowers. The finish very well balanced and polished. It persists endlessly.
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7/23/2019 - Mark1npt Likes this wine: 94 Points
Easy 94....dark, rich, dense fruit as many of the '16s are. Balanced acidity, tannins not a factor. Great dark fruit, lots of weight in the mouth, maybe just a touch short on the finish. This seems like it will get a point or two better as it tames a bit over the next few years....has already picked up some weight in the bottle over the last 5-6 months.
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7/13/2019 - srh Likes this wine:
Winebar [1 Rosé, 3 Whts, & 8 Reds] from 07/12/19 + 2 Shared Reds (Vintage Wines Ltd., San Diego, CA): 77% C.S., 11% Merlot, 7% Malbec, & 5% P.V. sourced from the Cade Estate, Cade 13th, Ink Grade, Cold Springs, & Eagle Summit Vyds; "The wine received 19 mos barrel aging in 100% FR oak (79% new). Malolactic fermentation occurred in barrel immediately after primary fermentation. The wine was racked quarterly once malolactic fermentation was complete." 394 barrels produced.
N: Slightly closed; Vanilla slightly atop RIPE berries & pyrazines; Intensity lurking
P: MF, poss Med, body; RNDISH entry with very NICE, ALMOST swtish frt met by astringent pucker which, while staying within hailing distance of that init frt, transitions into a LONG, BALANCED finish with an elegant swtness to the dusty tannins. NEEDS through '21, then at least approaching its 10th. 15.3% ABV; My EXC/EXC+. 97 pts Jeb Dunnuck, 96+ pts WA, 94 Vinous (Galloni), & 92 WS. [Check with this vendor if interested in their very COMPETITIVE price.]
Note: Also tasted 11/24/2018 & 3/8/2019, TNs fairly consistent
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7/12/2019 - Bodyfxr wrote: 95 Points
Wow! One of the best wines I tasted on this Napa excursion. Tasted in the Cade 13 Cellar. Very approachable and yummy. Ready to drink or hold for 2 years and it will probably pick up a point or two. Beautiful on the nose and the palate. Absolutely delicious.
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7/9/2019 - GTFreek wrote:
Medium plus nose shows rustic feel, dark red dust, black plum, cigar box, blackberry, graphite, crushed violets. Palate is big style, matches the fruits, a little darker, adds espresso or coffee grounds, medium plus tannins, body, alcohol. Finish could use complexity, needs time there it feels.
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6/20/2019 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
Big structure and powerful. Youthful. Lots of oak tannins. All from the new property.
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6/15/2019 - KeithAkers wrote: 94 Points
A day in Napa (Napa Valley, California): The nose is deep and pure with elegant tones of raspberries, black cherries, dark red fruits, cassis, mint, cedar, chocolate, violets, and spice notes. There is a lot of class and seamlessness to the nose that is a real joy to smell. The Full bodied feel is well balanced and polished with medium acidity and silky, high tannins. This is clearly youthful, but it is also really good. This is pure Howell Mountain and it is a real delight. This will certainly benefit from at least another 3 years and in reality another 5-8+.
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6/4/2019 - R&R wrote: 94 Points
Very good wine at a reasonable price (considering the source).
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4/13/2019 - tcarter Likes this wine: 93 Points
Strong showing for a traditional Howell Mountain cab.
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3/8/2019 - srh Likes this wine:
Winebar [1 Rosé, 3 Whts, & 8 Reds] from 03/08/19 (Vintage Wines Ltd., San Diego, CA): 77% C.S., 11% Merlot, 7% Malbec, & 5% P.V. sourced from the Cade Estate, Cade 13th, Ink Grade, Cold Springs, & Eagle Summit Vyds; "The wine received 19 mos barrel aging in 100% FR oak (79% new). Malolactic fermentation occurred in barrel immediately after primary fermentation. The wine was racked quarterly once malolactic fermentation was complete." 394 barrels produced
N: Slightly closed; RIPE berries with earth, rest tough to parse; Intensity lurking
P: MF body; NICE, almost swtish frt fairly quickly met by astringent pucker which fairly seamlessly transitions into a LONG, still very, VERY slightly puckerish finish with a discrete swtness (& very, VERY slight bitterness) to the dusty tannins. LOVELY stuff! NEEDS through '22, then drinking through the end of the decade? 15.3% ABV; My EXC/EXC+. 97 pts Jeb Dunnuck, 96+ pts WA, 94 Vinous (Galloni), & 92 WS. [Check with this vendor if interested in their *very* COMPETITIVE price.]
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3/6/2019 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
Smells like its oak and its Howell mountain tannins. And rich and supple on the palate as well. This also has the fruit from the additional purchase. Full bore. Apparently the wine maker for this was seven month pregant when she started this harvest.
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2/12/2019 - Mark1npt Likes this wine: 93 Points
I like it...just a bit thin when compared against Joe Blanton's Selah for example. Nice mountain fruit, great stuff in the mouth but lacking just a little to make it really, really good.
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11/24/2018 - srh Likes this wine:
Winebar [4 Whites, 8 Reds, & 3 *shared* bottles] from 11/23/18 (Vintage Wines Ltd., San Diego, CA): 77% C.S., 11% Merlot, 7% Malbec, & 5% P.V. sourced from the Cade Estate, Cade 13th, Ink Grade, Cold Springs, & Eagle Summit Vyds; "The wine received 19 mos barrel aging in 100% FR oak (79% new). Malolactic fermentation occurred in barrel immediately after primary fermentation. The wine was racked quarterly once malolactic fermentation was complete." 394 barrels produced
N: Vanilla atop ATTRACTIVELY *ripe* berries (& other unparsables); Intensity lurking!
P: Med body; NICE frt met by astringent pucker which mitigates more than I'd have expected by the LONG, balanced, slightly spicy, very, VERY slightly bitter finish with a tangy/swtness to the surprisingly few, dusty tannins. Deserves/NEEDS through '20 (but could TAKE more), then should make at LEAST its 10th. Very impressive in a potentially elegant style. 15.3% ABV; My EXC/EXC+. 96+ pts WA, 93-95 Vinous (Galloni), & 92 WS. [Check with this vendor if interested in their *very* COMPETITIVE price.]
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