Ladera Vineyards, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

 Here is another brilliant offering from Ladera – one that captures both the rusticity and the regality of mountain grown fruit all at once.  Volcanic soils and elevations above 1600 feet provide the struggle and the sunshine that make for layered aromas and flavors that get Cabernet’s typical markers into play while adding earthy minerality that counterbalances the deep black fruit.  It’s a bit shy at this writing, so give it a long decant or age it and start enjoying in about five years from now.