One of the beautiful, high-elevation sites in the Napa Valley, 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. For years I have admired these wines that employ good body and depth but also serious finesse and rocky undertones from the soil profile.
At the helm is superstar winemaker Chris Carpenter, who is truly one of Napa’s greats. Chris has crafted some stunning wines from the 2019 vintage. The 2019 Mt. Brave ‘Mt. Veeder’ Merlot (OB, 95) is deep and concentrated wine that is already beautifully evolved following a decant. It is a stunning wine that will easily live on for another twenty years. Learn more about this famed winery at mtbravewines.com Here is my review of the 2016 Mt. Brave Merlot.
2019 Mt. Brave Merlot- The absolutely delicious 2019 Mt. Brave Merlot comes from eastern-facing slopes on Mt. Veeder.. It immediately gratifies with chocolate covered kirsch notes alongside black raspberry, graphite and loamy soils. The intense aromatics bring you back to the glass for more enjoyment. The wine showcases velvety tannins that frame a beautiful core of red and dark fruits, with espresso grounds, mocha and lighter dried herbal notes. Finishing very long, this is soft, complex and stunning high-elevation Napa Merlot to consume now and over the next twenty years. Give this at least an hour in the decanter if enjoying now. Drink 2023-2043- 96
2019 Mt. Brave Cabernet Sauvignon- The beautiful 2019 Mt. Brave Cabernet Sauvignon has 5% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc blended in. Needing an hour in the decanter to be fully aroused, this delivers ripe cassis and huckleberry notes that combine with wet stone and suggestions of sandalwood on the nose. The palate is refined and elegant, with plenty of dense dark fruits and power — yet comes off quite weightless. Refined tannins and bright acidity frame this outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon that is only starting to come into its own. Drink 2023-2043- 96