One of North America’s great sites for Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, Mt. Brave 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 show incredible density of fruit but also wonderful, earthy terroir. The elevation also adds to the freshness in the core of the wine.
I have long enjoyed the wines by Chris Carpenter who is one of Napa’s great maestros of red wine. Chris has done a magical job with the 2021 wines. The 2021 Mt. Brave ‘Mt. Veeder’ Cabernet Franc (OB, 98) is amongst the finest editions of this wine that I have ever had. It is a show-stopper that is a must for any lover of this varietal. Find out more about this famed winery at mtbravewines.com Here is my review of the new Mt. Brave wines.
2021 Mt. Brave Cabernet Franc- A world class wine by Chris Carpenter, the 2021 Mt. Brave Cabernet Franc shows off its inky core, revealing violets, tar and menthol tones in the glass, alongside a hedonistic black fruit aromatic backbone. The palate is plush and dense with a refined mouthfeel and glorious depth and complexity. Beautifully-structured, with heady black and blue fruits, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next twenty years to comer. Drink 2024-2044- 98
2021 Mt. Brave Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 Mt. Brave Cabernet Sauvignon is inky in the glass, offering mountain huckleberry and black raspberry notes on the nose alongside graphite and shades of dried herbs. The palate is rich and viscous with incredible underlying tension. Pencil lead, anise, creme de cassis and chocolate cake notes all combine on the palate. A joy to consume now, savor this beauty over the next twenty years to come. Drink 2024-2044- 97