Cakebread Cellars 2021 Dancing Bear Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon

The Cakebread Cellars 2021 Dancing Bear Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon represents a masterful expression of mountain viticulture, drawing from the prestigious Dancing Bear Ranch Estate Vineyard on Howell Mountain. This meticulously managed vineyard spans elevations between 1,400 and 1,900 feet, with 24 distinct blocks carefully delineated by varietal, sun exposure, soil composition, and clone selection. The dry, rocky volcanic soils impart mineral character while naturally constraining vine vigor, concentrating flavors in smaller berries. The blend combines Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, with winemaking techniques designed to achieve optimal structure. Controlled fermentation and maceration protocols ensure balanced tannin development, while extended aging in French oak barrels adds layers of complexity and refinement. The result is a wine of considerable depth, displaying the distinctive mountain character that defines Howell Mountain Cabernets—marked by vibrant acidity, structured tannins, and nuanced aromatics that evolve gracefully in the glass. This is a wine built for contemplation and cellaring, rewarding those who appreciate the intersection of terroir and craftsmanship.

98 points, Jeb Dunnuck

"Lastly, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Dancing Bear Ranch comes from a stunning estate vineyard on Howell Mountain with the plantings dating back to 1999. A blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, and a splash of Cabernet Franc, aged in 59% new oak, this beauty reminds me of a great Saint-Julien (Leoville Barton?) with its incredible purity and regal, structured style. Crème de cassis, lead pencil, violets, chalky minerality, and chocolaty oak all emerge on the nose, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a layered, multi-dimensional mouthfeel, ripe yet perfectly integrated tannins, and a gorgeous finish. It needs air if drinking any time soon and will ideally be given 4-6 years in the cellar. This beauty will have three decades of overall longevity."