WINEMAKER’S NOTE:

The 2017 CADE Howell Mountain Estate Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of blueberry, blackberry, coco nibs, cran-raspberry, roasted coffee, clove, cinnamon, black pepper, mint, and fruit leather. The wine has a velvety texture with lush and prominent tannins and bright acidity. There are flavors of boysenberry, blueberry pie, red cherry, cola, vanilla, graham cracker, and chocolate truffles.

Wine Spectator-93Points

This is a ripe and strapping young red, packed with dark currant and fig paste flavors carried by strident and sleek structure. A great, piercing graphite edge comes in on the finish, along with licorice snap and tar accents. Textbook Howell Mountain Cab, built for cellaring. Best from 2022 through 2035.

Robert Parker-94 Points

The 2017 Cade Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, blended with 4% Malbec, 4% Petit Verdot and 4% Merlot, is deep garnet-purple colored and a little closed, slowly giving up warm cassis, blackberry tart and mulberries with touches of spice box, pencil shavings and Marmite toast. The full-bodied palate is firm, grainy and muscular with an earthy expression and just enough freshness, finishing on a lingering mineral note.

Jeb Dunnuck-96 Points

Coming from estate fruit on Howell Mountain and made from 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% each of Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Merlot, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate offers a darker, more mineral-driven style compared to the Napa release. It has beautiful blackcurrant, cassis, forest floor, graphite, and tobacco leaf-like aromas and flavors. Deep, full-bodied, beautifully polished and elegant, it’s another remarkable effort from this team. As Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon goes, it’s a brilliant value!