- About This Wine
- Ratings & Reviews
- Tasting Notes
About This Wine
Ratings & Reviews
Tasting Notes
ABOUT THIS WINE
REVIEWS
WINEMAKER NOTES
Carved into the rugged western slopes of Howell Mountain, the Burgess 2018 Contadina Cabernet Sauvignon is a masterclass in Napa Valley terroir. Sourced from the historic Sorenson Vineyard, first planted in 1872, this wine showcases the raw power and elegance that define mountain-grown Cabernet. With elevations ranging from 800 to 1,000 feet, the vines cling to volcanic ash soils, their roots reaching deep into the mineral-rich earth. The result is a wine of profound complexity, where purity of fruit meets a striking sense of place.
From the first swirl, the 2018 Contadina Cabernet envelops the senses with an intoxicating bouquet of ripe blackcurrants, wild blackberries, and cassis, layered with high-tone herbal aromatics of fresh sage, mint, and sweet tobacco. The depth of this wine is immediately apparent, as the dark fruit core intertwines seamlessly with subtle graphite and crushed rock minerality. Aged for 22 months in French oak, only 15% of which is new, the oak influence is nuanced, lending hints of cedar, espresso, and a whisper of baking spice without overshadowing the purity of the fruit.
On the palate, this wine is both structured and finessed, showcasing the power of Howell Mountain Cabernet while maintaining impeccable balance. The Petit Verdot (6%) and Malbec (4%) lend additional layers of depth and texture, enhancing the wine’s richness without overwhelming its precise definition. Velvety tannins wrap around the dark fruit, delivering a mouthfeel that is both plush and energetic. The acidity, naturally lifted by the vineyard’s high elevation, drives the wine forward, creating a dynamic tension between opulence and vibrancy.
As the wine unfolds, it reveals a lingering finish of cocoa-dusted blackberries, cigar box, and crushed violets, a testament to its impeccable structure and aging potential. This is a Cabernet built for the long haul—while stunning in its youth, its firm tannic backbone and refined acidity suggest a decade or more of graceful evolution in the cellar.
The Burgess 2018 Contadina Cabernet Sauvignon is an expression of Napa Valley’s rich history and its continued pursuit of excellence. It is a wine that speaks of its mountain origins, delivering power, precision, and a seamless marriage of fruit and earth. Whether enjoyed today alongside a perfectly seared ribeye or laid down for future enjoyment, this is a bottle that captures the essence of Howell Mountain in every sip.
Blend: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, & 4% Malbec
Alcohol: 14.5%
From the first swirl, the 2018 Contadina Cabernet envelops the senses with an intoxicating bouquet of ripe blackcurrants, wild blackberries, and cassis, layered with high-tone herbal aromatics of fresh sage, mint, and sweet tobacco. The depth of this wine is immediately apparent, as the dark fruit core intertwines seamlessly with subtle graphite and crushed rock minerality. Aged for 22 months in French oak, only 15% of which is new, the oak influence is nuanced, lending hints of cedar, espresso, and a whisper of baking spice without overshadowing the purity of the fruit.
On the palate, this wine is both structured and finessed, showcasing the power of Howell Mountain Cabernet while maintaining impeccable balance. The Petit Verdot (6%) and Malbec (4%) lend additional layers of depth and texture, enhancing the wine’s richness without overwhelming its precise definition. Velvety tannins wrap around the dark fruit, delivering a mouthfeel that is both plush and energetic. The acidity, naturally lifted by the vineyard’s high elevation, drives the wine forward, creating a dynamic tension between opulence and vibrancy.
As the wine unfolds, it reveals a lingering finish of cocoa-dusted blackberries, cigar box, and crushed violets, a testament to its impeccable structure and aging potential. This is a Cabernet built for the long haul—while stunning in its youth, its firm tannic backbone and refined acidity suggest a decade or more of graceful evolution in the cellar.
The Burgess 2018 Contadina Cabernet Sauvignon is an expression of Napa Valley’s rich history and its continued pursuit of excellence. It is a wine that speaks of its mountain origins, delivering power, precision, and a seamless marriage of fruit and earth. Whether enjoyed today alongside a perfectly seared ribeye or laid down for future enjoyment, this is a bottle that captures the essence of Howell Mountain in every sip.
Blend: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, & 4% Malbec
Alcohol: 14.5%
92 POINTS - "The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is a powerful, old-school wine. Dark cherry, plum, scorched earth, game, licorice and tar give the 2018 plenty of complexity. Big, potent tannins lend quite a bit of muscle, but there is more than enough fruit and overall balance to support many years in the cellar. Dark red fruit, mint, spice and licorice linger. This is very nicely done." - Vinous
A structured and elegant Cabernet Sauvignon with aromas and flavors of blackberry and ripe black currants. The lush fruit is brought into balance by high tone herbal aromatics of mint, sage, and sweet tobacco. The distinctively thick-skinned Cabernet grapes provide a long, velvety finish.