Cakebread Cellars Dancing Bear Ranch Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 750ml

Dancing Bear Ranch is the Cakebread family's own estate on Howell Mountain, with vines between 1,100 and 1,900 feet farmed as 24 separate blocks. The 2017 is one of its most highly rated vintages.

Niki Williams made it from 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 1% Merlot, aged 22 months in French oak, 60% new. It's 14.9% alcohol.

The winery describes boysenberry, black cherry and fig with forest-floor notes, then blackberry and minerality, firm tannins and a dense black-fruit finish, and calls it an intense, complex mountain wine.

Choose the 2017 to drink now; for a younger bottle, choose the 2018.

Wine Spectator's window runs to 2026, so it's drinking now. Decant it for an hour and serve with braised lamb shanks or filet mignon.

See more Napa Valley wine, or browse all our Cabernet Sauvignon. Pick it up at our Brooklyn store or get same-day delivery across NYC.