CADE 2021 Estate Howell Mountain Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – 1.5L Magnum (93 Points)
Overview
The CADE 2021 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain Magnum (1.5L) is a bold yet refined expression of Napa Valley’s mountain terroir, crafted by one of the region’s most respected organic and sustainably farmed wineries. With 93 Points from Jeb Dunnuck, this limited-production wine showcases the power, structure, and elegance that make Howell Mountain Cabernets some of the most sought-after wines in the world.
Presented in magnum format, this wine not only offers superior aging potential but also makes an impressive centerpiece for collectors, celebratory dinners, and serious Cabernet Sauvignon enthusiasts.
Winemaking & Vineyard Sources
The 2021 CADE Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from four premier Howell Mountain vineyards:
-
CADE Estate Vineyard (adjacent to the winery)
- 13th Vineyard
- Ink Grade Vineyard
- Cold Springs Vineyard
The vintage began on September 10th with fruit from Ink Grade Vineyard and concluded on October 12th with grapes from the 13th Vineyard. The high-elevation vineyards deliver exceptional concentration, vibrant acidity, and a signature mountain tannin structure.
Winemaking Process:
-
Handpicked & hand sorted (optically sorted for precision).
-
Cold soak: 2 days at 50°F.
-
Fermentation: Hot and fast, reaching 92°F with 6–9 days on skins.
-
Aging: 19 months in 82% new French oak barrels.
-
Malolactic fermentation: Completed in barrel.
-
Racking: Quarterly until bottling.
This meticulous approach results in a Cabernet that is dense, structured, and age-worthy, with remarkable elegance.
Blend & Composition
- 88% Cabernet Sauvignon
- 6% Malbec
- 5% Petit Verdot
- 1% Merlot
Alcohol: 15.6%
Production: 444 barrels
Tasting Notes
-
Color: Deep ruby-purple, with dense saturation typical of Howell Mountain Cabernet.
-
Nose: Expressive aromas of black cherry, ripe plum, cranberry, and raspberry, layered with cocoa nibs, dark chocolate, roasted coffee, mocha, and baking spice.
-
Palate: Rich and structured, showing flavors of brambly blackberry, boysenberry, rhubarb pie, and red cherry, accented by cinnamon, clove, and subtle herbal undertones.
-
Texture: Medium to full-bodied, with mouth-filling density, fine-grained tannins, and vibrant mountain acidity.
-
Finish: Long, elegant, and persistent, leaving impressions of mocha, spice, and brambly dark fruit.
This wine is bold and powerful, yet balanced with elegance and freshness, true to Howell Mountain’s distinctive style.
Critical Acclaim
93 Points – Jeb Dunnuck
“The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain comes almost all from the estate and is 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot, and the rest Merlot. It has classic Howell Mountain style in its ripe blue fruits, violets, iron, and bouquet garni-like aromatics, and it’s medium to full-bodied, with a rich, mouth-filling texture and outstanding length. It has another 15 years of prime drinking ahead of it.”
Average score of the last 3 vintages: 95 Points.
Food Pairing
This mountain-grown Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully with rich, savory, and bold dishes, including:
- Braised short ribs
- Grilled ribeye steak
- Blackened tuna or seared ahi
- Lamb shank with rosemary
- Aged hard cheeses (like Manchego or Parmigiano-Reggiano)
Its power and structure make it a natural partner for robust flavors and celebratory feasts.
Why Choose the Magnum (1.5L)?
-
Superior Aging Potential: Larger bottles age more gracefully, allowing flavors to develop slowly.
-
Impressive Presentation: Perfect for special occasions, collectors, or as a gift.
-
Limited Production: Highly sought-after Howell Mountain Cabernet in rare magnum format.
Sustainability & Legacy
- First LEED Gold Certified Winery in Napa Valley
- CCOF Certified Organic
- Sustainably Farmed Vineyards
CADE Estate is a pioneer in combining cutting-edge sustainability with ultra-premium Napa Valley winemaking, making every bottle a reflection of both environmental responsibility and world-class quality.
Wine Details
-
Wine: CADE Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain
-
Vintage: 2021
-
Format: 1.5L Magnum
-
Region: Napa Valley, California (Howell Mountain AVA)
-
Blend: 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot, 1% Merlot
-
Alcohol: 15.6%
-
Aging: 19 months in 82% new French oak
-
Certification: Organic, LEED Gold Certified Winery
-
Production: 444 barrels
-
Score: 93 Points (Jeb Dunnuck)
