Howell Mountain Napa Valley
From the Wine Advocate, December 2011
The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Dancing Bear Ranch, from a vineyard on Howell Mountain, is the darkest and deepest of these offerings from Cakebread. Sweet grilled herbs, flowers, oak and raspberry jam are some of the nuances that emerge from this vivid, textured wine. It possesses striking inner perfume and fabulous balance from start to finish. This is all power and class. In 2008 the final blend includes 5% Cabernet Franc. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2023.
Robert Parker rated this wine 93.
Tight and well-built, offering a dense mix of dried currant, blackberry, cedar and tobacco flavors, with just enough flesh. Ends with firm, chewy tannins and good length. Drink now through 2025. 1,800 cases made. —J.L.
Wine Spectator rated our 2008 Dancing Bear Ranch on Howell Mountain with 91 points.
Beautiful aromas of jammy black fruit, red currant, dried fig, clove, and dark chocolate, over notes of spicy caramel oak and light earth tones. Opulent palate, with luscious black plum, cassis, cinnamon, mocha espresso, and sweet tobacco, with a touch of sandalwood and smoke. Mellow tannins on the finish with warm oak and spice. Excellent. Aged dry cheese and dried fruit and nuts.
Sante Magazine has given our 2008 Dancing Bear Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon a Gold Star.
"The 29th edition of the San Diego International Wine Competition, staged the weekend of March 10-11, was clearly a case of colliding cliches." Our 2008 Dancing Bear Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon was awarded "Best of Class" for Cabernet Sauvignons.
Michael Franz, a judge at the event, notes below:
"This is a show-stopper. It is broodingly dark and very dense on the palate, and yet the wine is extremely generous in both aroma and flavor, with a soft texture that proves more inviting than forbidding. The fruit notes are all dark in tone--blackberry and black current--and yet again there’s a soft sweetness and a textural roundness that is enduringly endearing. Obviously this is a big-ticket wine, but also one that really delivers the goods. Platinum award winner at the San Diego International Wine Competition". 96 Michael Franz
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Grape Variety:
95% Cabernet Sauvignon,
5% Cabernet Franc
Vineyards:
100% Dancing Bear Ranch, Estate Howell Mountain, Napa Valley
Alcohol content: 15.1%
Total acidity:
0.69 g/100ml
Fermentation:
Stainless Steel
pH: 3.88
Harvest dates:
October 1, 2008
Barrel aging:
21 months in French oak, 47% new
Winemaker:
Julianne Laks |
