2015 Cabernet Sauvignon - Mt. Brave

Intense black currant, dark tobacco, açaí berry. Macerated dark cherry, black sand, slightly tart blueberry. Fresh violet and floral perfume, anise and dried basil. Deep silky cassis and blackberry compote dripped over crème brûlée with an espresso garnish. A core sample of black volcanic earth covered in licorice, dark chocolate, and pencil shavings. Pronounced chalky tannin provides horsepower to the full-bodied yet nimble mouthfeel. Bordeaux dry. This 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon by Mt. Brave is a beautiful beast from high atop Mt. Veeder.

Mt. Veeder is one of Napa Valley's premier appellations that produces high elevation mountain fruit. Located west of Yountville in the Mayacamas Mountain Range, the vineyards on Mt. Veeder sit above the fog line and receive extended sunshine at more moderate temperatures than the rest of the valley. This produces intensely structured wines that often express distinct dark fruit and soil tones. This bottling, sourced solely from the Mt. Brave Vineyard, is a captivating example of this region's terroir. Opaque purple in color this wine is structured and powerful with an impressive weightless density carried through by refreshing acidity. Oak tones are present but are already well integrated and should continue to bow behind the fruit and earth notes with more bottle age. Winemaker Chris Carpenter is Napa royalty and he has worked his magic again here.