CADE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021

CADE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021

Style
A powerful yet impeccably refined mountain Cabernet Sauvignon from the acclaimed CADE Estate Winery on Howell Mountain. Produced from organically farmed, high-elevation vineyards, this flagship Cabernet embodies the intensity, structure and elegance that define one of Napa Valley's most prestigious mountain appellations. The 2021 vintage is widely regarded as an exceptional expression of Howell Mountain, offering remarkable concentration while maintaining freshness and precision.

Region
Howell Mountain AVA

Grape Variety
Predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with small proportions of traditional Bordeaux varieties, depending on the vintage.

Tasting Profile

Nose
An expressive bouquet of black cherry, raspberry and cranberry is layered with aromas of cocoa nibs, dark chocolate, roasted coffee, baking spices and subtle floral notes. As the wine evolves, hints of cedar, graphite and mountain herbs emerge, adding depth and sophistication.

Palate
Full-bodied and beautifully structured, the palate reveals flavours of boysenberry, black cherry, rhubarb, cinnamon, clove and espresso. Rich mountain fruit is balanced by vibrant acidity and finely polished tannins, creating a wine of exceptional power, texture and elegance.

Structure

• Body: Full-bodied
• Tannins: Firm, polished and beautifully integrated
• Acidity: Fresh and balanced
• Oak: Matured in French oak, providing complexity while allowing the purity of Howell Mountain fruit to shine.

Finish
Long, concentrated and persistent, with lingering notes of dark berries, cocoa, roasted coffee, spice and graphite. The classic Howell Mountain structure gives the wine impressive length and ageing potential.

Summary

CADE Cabernet Sauvignon is one of Howell Mountain's benchmark wines, combining the concentration and structure characteristic of high-altitude vineyards with remarkable elegance and refinement. Organically farmed and meticulously crafted, the 2021 vintage offers exceptional purity of fruit, polished tannins and outstanding balance, making it both immensely enjoyable today and capable of graceful long-term ageing.

Vintage Notes

The 2021 growing season was warm and early, producing small yields of intensely flavoured fruit with excellent concentration. Despite the naturally powerful character of Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, the vintage displays impressive freshness, texture and elegance, reflecting careful vineyard management and precise winemaking.

Drinking Window

Drink: 2025–2042

Already approachable after decanting, this wine has the structure and balance to evolve beautifully for 15–20 years.

Food Pairing

A magnificent partner for rich, full-flavoured cuisine:

• Dry-aged ribeye steak
• Grilled porterhouse
• Herb-crusted rack of lamb
• Beef Wellington
• Braised short ribs
• Venison with juniper
• Wild mushroom risotto
• Aged Gouda or Parmigiano Reggiano

Serving Temperature: 16–18°C

Decant: 1–2 hours recommended to allow the wine to fully express its aromatic complexity and soften its youthful tannins.

Critical Acclaim

• 93 Points – Antonio Galloni

The 2021 vintage has been praised for its classic Howell Mountain character, combining dense fruit, refined tannins and exceptional length with a level of elegance that makes it one of CADE's finest recent releases