2011 Cade Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

There is little question the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is better and far more interesting than the 2010. The aromas and flavors are beautifully delineated from start to finish. Menthol, smoke, tar, licorice and chocolate all flesh out on the radiant, deeply expressive finish. This is a great example of the way in which Howell Mountain outperformed in 2011 by virtue of being above the fog. Hints of smoke, tar, incense, scorched earth and melted road tar frame the huge, tense finish. The 2011 is virtually all Cabernet Sauvignon with a drop of Merlot, from Sentinel Hill, Ink Grade, Eagle Summit and Outpost. This is a great showing from a wine that screams of terroir.