Cakebread Cellars Dancing Bear Ranch Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 750ml

Dancing Bear Ranch is the Cakebread family's mountain estate on Howell Mountain, between 1,400 and 1,900 feet, farmed as 24 separate blocks on steep, rugged slopes.

Niki Williams made the 2018: 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc. Small-lot fermentation balances the fruit and tannin, and the wine aged 22 months in French oak, 60% new. It was harvested in early October 2018 and bottled in August 2020. It's 14.9% alcohol.

The winery describes black cherry, boysenberry and fig with earthy notes, then a concentrated, fleshy palate of blackberry with hints of minerality and structured tannins.

It's the top of Cakebread's Cabernet range. For a bit more age, choose the 2017.

Cakebread says it's delicious on release and will reward another decade in the cellar. 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.