Cakebread Dancing Bear Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain 2023

A captivating expression of mountain-grown fruit, with bold, layered aromas of marionberry, black cherry, cedar, and red plum, complemented by hints of toasted coconut, cigar box, vanilla bean, and dried herbs. On the palate, rich red plum and boysenberry flavors unfold with warm spice notes of nutmeg and a subtle touch of dried herbs. Silky yet structured tannins carry the wine to a bold, lingering finish. True to its Howell Mountain origins, this Cabernet showcases impressive structure, deep concentration, and elegant complexity.

Critical Acclaim

95 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

From an estate vineyard on Howell Mountain, the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Dancing Bear Ranch easily outshines Cakebread's other Cabernets from this challenging vintage. Pencil shavings accent blackberries and black cherries in this medium- to full-bodied effort, which is nicely ripe and supple for a mountain wine, with a restrained dusting of soft tannins on the lingering finish.

93 Jeb Dunnuck

From a site on Howell Mountain, the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Dancing Bear Ranch has a deep purple hue as well as beautiful notes of blackberry, darker plum, and currant fruits intermixed with spicy wood, chocolate, and savory flowers. It's balanced, medium to full-bodied, has a round, layered mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a great finish. As with the other wines here, it offers pleasure today yet will keep for 10-15 years if well stored.

92 Wine Enthusiast

Polished, full, and round in the mouth, this wine has an upright structure and plenty of length, full of juicy black fruits, chocolate-covered figs, cracked pine, and a savory finish. Gaining aromas of fresh fruits and woodsy herbs with further sipping, this is a satisfying, go-to Cabernet.