Ladera’s Howell Mountain Reserve Cabernet is developing a solid track record, and this vintage shows a slight gain over the last, with bold but slightly less aggressive oak tone. The rustic tannic edge that comes from the region is intact, which is part of its charm. I suspect that some fans like this character when the wine is young. I personally prefer to let it soften a bit with some cellar time to let a little more of the nuanced dance between the black fruit and wood to occur.
Ladera Vineyards, Howell Mountain – Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
By Rich Cook