The 2021 Cade Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon is a well-regarded red wine hailing from California's Napa Valley, specifically the Howell Mountain sub-appellation. Produced by Cade, this wine is a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot, and 1% Merlot, showcasing the region's capacity for producing robust and complex wines.
Jeb Dunnuck, in his review dated December 26, 2023, awarded this wine a score of 93. He describes it as having "classic Howell Mountain style" with "ripe blue fruits, violets, iron, and bouquet garni-like aromatics." Dunnuck notes its medium to full-bodied nature, rich texture, and outstanding length, predicting it has "another 15 years of prime drinking ahead of it."
The Wine Independent provided an even higher score of 94, emphasizing the deep garnet-purple color and a vibrant nose with "notions of kirsch, wild blueberries, and blackcurrant jelly." The review, dated December 6, 2023, highlights its full-bodied palate, densely packed black fruit layers, and firm, grainy tannins, concluding that the wine finishes "with a real skip in its step."
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, with Joe Czerwinski as the reviewer, also gave this wine a score of 93. In his review from January 31, 2024, Czerwinski notes the combination of fruit from the original vineyard and the 13th Vineyard. He describes hints of "pine and sage on the nose" with a base of "ripe black cherries." The full-bodied palate is said to be concentrated yet not overdone, finishing with a "long, velvety" texture.
Antonio Galloni of Vinous, in his review dated November 30, 2023, gave the wine a score of 92. He praises the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate for its "purity of fruit" and "terrific depth," noting that it is "surprisingly accessible for a young Howell Mountain Cabernet." Galloni mentions flavors of "succulent dark plum, mocha, spice, leather, and menthol," with the added complexity from Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Merlot.
Overall, the 2021 Cade Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon is recognized for its aromatic complexity, rich and velvety texture, and long-lasting appeal, making it a standout choice for Cabernet Sauvignon enthusiasts.