As we honor the incredible and brave Americans who have given their lives to protect our freedoms, I thought that it would be fitting to write about Mt. Brave wines. An outstanding estate in the Napa Valley, Mt. Brave is a winery that pays homage to a the pioneering spirit of those who settled the rugged terrain of Mt. Veeder during the 1800s.
The majestic Mt. Brave Vineyard is a high elevation site that is set on gravelly loam with large rocks throughout. This is very labor intensive land to farm and the wines from this site shows incredible density of fruit but also wonderful, earthy terroir. The elevation also adds to the freshness in the core of the wine.
At the helm is superstar winemaker Chris Carpenter, who is truly one of Napa’s great winemakers. Chris has crafted another stunning release, this coming from the 2016 vintage. The 2016 Mt. Brave ‘Mt. Veeder’ Merlot (OB, 95) is dense and chewy wine that is remarkable even in its youth and will provide drinking enjoyment for decades to come. LEarn more about this famed winery at mtbravewines.com Here is my review of the 2016 Mt. Brave Merlot.
2016 Mt. Brave ‘Mt. Veeder’ Merlot- The 2016 Mt. Brave ‘Mt. Veeder’ Merlot is a simply gorgeous effort by superstar winemaker Chris Carpenter that impresses now at the four year mark. The complex and hedonistic aromas entice with sandalwood tones that are woven together with kirsch cordial, cassis and graphite with chocolate covered espresso bean that all take shape in the glass. The palate is soft, seamless and very elegant, as this effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. A deep core of dark fruits collide with minerals, pipe tobacco, loamy terroir and suggestions of coffee grounds on the palate. Rich and layered, with tremendous aging potential, the 2016 Mt. Brave Merlot will cellar well for decades to come. Be sure to give this at least an hour decant if enjoying in its flamboyant youth. Drink 2020-2038- 95