Cade 2012 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon shows itself as a rich, dense, and deeply structured wine with intense aromas of coffee, boysenberry, graham cracker, and black cherries, followed by palate notes of crème de cassis, milk chocolate, toasted marshmallow, blueberry pie, and dark fruits. The wine’s full-bodied texture, firm yet balanced tannins, and long, layered finish reflect the warm, steady 2012 growing season that allowed for exceptional phenolic ripeness. Its depth and concentration make it an expressive example of Howell Mountain power and elegance, with additional nuances of blackberry, cassis, spice, graphite, herbs, and mocha noted across professional and community tastings.
For food pairings, this Cabernet’s structure and intensity make it ideal with grilled steak, slow-cooked lamb shank, or other richly flavored red meats. Its dark fruit and mocha elements also complement hearty dishes such as Bolognese or savory vegetarian tarts, while its tannic backbone stands up well to aromatic spices and roasted preparations.