2015 Cade Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

(94 Points)   The 2015s, which are somewhat surprisingly already in bottle, include the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate that is an identical blend to the 2014. The wine is dense ruby/purple, plump, juicy and fleshy with plenty of blackberry and cassis fruit. It cuts an even bigger mouth-texture and richness than its older sibling. This is a beauty to drink over the next 12-15 years. (RP)  Wine Advocate    (12/2016)

The CADE Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from four

estate vineyards on Howell Mountain, including the CADE Estate Vineyard,

Ink Grade Vineyard, Cold Springs, and Eagle Summit. The warm, dry and

exceptionally low-yielding 2015 vintage started on September 11th with fruit

from the Ink Grade Vineyard and finished on October 5th with fruit from

Eagle Summit - marking the earliest end to our harvest on record.

FERMENTATION

The majority of the fermentations went through a short maceration time

between 8 and 11 days and hot fermentation temperatures, peaking at 92°F.

A small portion of the blend was fermented in 500L new French oak

puncheons. The must was pressed off at about 5° Brix and fermentation

was allowed to finish in tank or barrel.

ÉLEVAGE

The wine received 19 months barrel aging in 100% French oak (76% new).

Malolactic fermentation occurred in barrel immediately after primary

fermentation. The wine was racked quarterly once malolactic fermentation

was complete.

COOPERAGE

We use several different coopers for the Estate Howell Mountain Cabernet

Sauvignon including Taransaud, Sylvain, Nadalie, Darnajou, Seguin Moreau,

Bel Air, Doreau, Mercurey, D'Aquitaine, Cavin, Atelier, Mercier, Tonnellerie O,

Ana Selection, Quintessence, Orion, Allary, Jarnac, Ermitage and Dargaud et

Jaegle.

BOTTLING

Wine was bottled June 6th through 9th, 2017

OUR THOUGHTS

Aromas of boysenberry jam, blueberry compote, wild lavender, chocolate

covered cherries, roasted coffee, rose petals ripple through your senses with a

kiss of graham crackers and toast marshmallow. Velvety on the palate with a

satin mouthfeel with bold skyscraper tannins. The finishing flavors are echoes

of the initial aromas, with warm cherry pie, cran-raspberry jam, coco nibs,

toasted cinnamon, fresh strawberry and raspberry coulis.