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. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2026. Danielle Cyrot, formerly of St. Clement, is the new winemaker at Cade beginning in 2012. Things continue to be in a state of evolution at this property, which is part of the Plumpjack group. In 2010 Cade introduces a new Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon made from purchased fruit. This means that now two out of the three Cade wines are made with non-estate grapes, a confusing proposition from a winery that is trying to position itself as a top producer of estate Howell Mountain Cabernets. I am sure that will all be sorted out in the future, but for now, Cade seems to be lacking a little direction, as good as the best wines can be.Tel. (707) 965-2746

The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is huge. A blast of dark red fruit, flowers, savory herbs and tar explode on the palate. The 2010 combines the flavor profile of the 2008 with some of the silkiness of the 2009. It shows fabulous intensity and tons of grace in a big, broad-shouldered style that is immensely appealing. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. This is a very strong set of wines from Cade, the Howell Mountain sister property of Plumpjack. Winemaker Tony Biagi and his team have crafted a gorgeous set of 2009s and 2010s. The wines are very different stylistically, yet quite similar in terms of quality. The Howell Mountain bottling includes purchased fruit and a dollop of Merlot. The Estate bottling is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, naturally from the estate’s own vineyards, and tends to be vinified with 100% natural malos. Both wines are striking.Tel. (707) 965-2746

The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is a fascinating wine. Some of the rougher, wilder edges that are present in the 2008 are smoothed out here. Layers of expressive dark fruit, licorice, mint and new leather wrap around the palate in this deep, powerful Cabernet Sauvignon. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. This is a very strong set of wines from Cade, the Howell Mountain sister property of Plumpjack. Winemaker Tony Biagi and his team have crafted a gorgeous set of 2009s and 2010s. The wines are very different stylistically, yet quite similar in terms of quality. The Howell Mountain bottling includes purchased fruit and a dollop of Merlot. The Estate bottling is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, naturally from the estate’s own vineyards, and tends to be vinified with 100% natural malos. Both wines are striking.Tel. (707) 965-2746

The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa (4,000 cases produced) is a serious effort revealing delicious blue and black fruits intermixed with notes of crushed rocks and spring flowers. With supple tannins, loads of fruit and flavor, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and no hard edges, it should be even better in 2-3 years, and last for 12-15. Not surprisingly, it comes from a blend of fruit from some extraordinary vineyards Beckstoffer George III in Rutherford, the Kenefick Ranch in Calistoga, and the Beckstoffer Dr. Crane in St. Helena. The proprietor of Cade Winery is a member of San Francisco’s Getty family who has partnered up with the city’s mayor, Gavin Newsome.Tel. (707) 965-2746; Fax (707) 965-2750