The 2022 vintage was very early and warm. A heat dome hit during Labor Day, catapulting sugars and, therefore, harvest. While some blocks fared well through the heat dome, others with rocky soils and low water holding capacity needed to be picked. The benefit of being at elevation in 2022 was that our vineyards did not get as hot as those on the valley floor. We were able to maintain great color and tannin, although slightly lower than average due to the intense heat in September 2022. However, Howell Mountain always has more tannin to offer than we need, so having a bit less tannin naturally allowed us to ferment on the skins slightly longer than normal while still giving that classic Howell Mountain structure and mouthfeel.
94 James Suckling Savory aromas of blackcurrants, cedar, tobacco leaves and mocha. The palate is full-bodied with firmly framed tannins and balanced acidity, giving notes of blackberry bush, bark, graphite, licorice and spices. Layered black fruit has been finely integrated with a powerful undertone. Drink or hold.
92 Jeb Dunnuck Absolutely textbook Howell Mountain notes of darker currants, black cherries, chocolate, bouquet garni, and leafy, herbal, forest notes all shine in Cade's 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain, a medium to full-bodied, ripe, nicely concentrated 2022 that has integrated tannins and acidity, terrific overall balance, and outstanding length. As opposed to many 2022s, this has solid underlying structure and depth and is a rock-solid beauty that will evolve nicely over the coming 10-12 years or more.
92 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate There are 9,000 cases of Cade's 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, a reasonable volume for Howell Mountain. Classic hints of pine needles and resiny notes accent blueberry fruit on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is richly textured and concentrated, framed by grainy tannins on the long, dark chocolate-tinged finish.
