A great story in Napa history, Brandon Estate 1870s, when the Brandlins emigrated from Switzerland. They later descended on the Napa Valley and started their homestead high on Mount Veeder. They saw the potential of the land and soon began their fruit orchard, ran the local grain store and stagecoach. In 1926, Henry Brandlin planted his first grape vines at Brandlin Estate—vines that are still alive today.
Today the site boasts 49 acres of vines, with many nearly 20 years of age. I have long admired the wines by Steve Rogstad, who has crafted outstanding Chardonnay and other varietals at Cuvaison for decades. I adored the two new wines that I tasted, the outstanding 2021 Brandlin Estates ‘Napa Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc (OB, 93) which is rich and beautifully textured stuff with great length. Even better is the 2019 Brandlin Estates ‘Mount Veeder’ Malbec (OB, 94) which is a steal at under 80 bucks and shines with its brilliant core of black and blue fruits. Learn more about these great wines at brandlinestate.com and here are my reviews of the new Brandlin wines.
2021 Brandlin Estates ‘Napa Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc- The outstanding 2021 Brandlin Estates ‘Napa Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc was stored for 11 months in 50% new French oak before bottling. The wine comes off soft and beautifully textured, showing great weight and concentration with underlying finesse. Kiwi, cantaloupe and sweet gooseberry flavors all come together seamlessly on the palate. This is seriously good stuff. Drink 2023-2029- 93
2019 Brandlin Estates ‘Mount Veeder’ Malbec- This beautiful new Malbec has 6% Cabernet Sauvignon bleed in, as this was stored for 22 months in 40% new French oak before bottling. Violets, tar and anise all fill the nose with shades of boysenberry cordial. The palate is wonderfully concentrated, with plenty of depth and richness, displaying fantastic underlying acidity. Absolutely fantastic to enjoy now, this beauty will shine on for at least another decade to come. Drink 2023-2038- 94