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Anthony Gismondi on Wine
Mt. Brave Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignontext
95POINTS
18/20

Mt. Brave Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Mount Veeder, Napa Valley, California, United StatesMt. Brave Vineyard sits high atop Mt. Veeder at an elevation of 1,400 to 1,800 feet on an area planted since the early 1860s. On the western flank of Napa Valley, the estate is named for the native Wappos, who first called it home. The mountain site is all about high elevation and thin, rocky soils planted to four cabernet clones (191, 4, 8, and 337) and three rootstocks (3309C, 101-14, and 1103P) that combine to neutralize some of the issues in what is usually a slow-moving, long, cool growing season above the fog line. It’s an excellent vintage, and the black and blue fruits boast very high-quality levels. Mineral, floral, and dry, the underbelly effortlessly balances off the fruit, adding extra complexity to the mix. It spends 20 months in 74 percent new French oak. The blend is 86/4/6/2/2.5 cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, malbec and petit verdot. Winemaker Chris Carpenter likes to say, “Mt. Brave Cabernet Sauvignon is meant to show all that is Mt. Veeder, without overt tannins.” He is right, and it is a stylish blockbuster cabernet that will live on through 2025.Tasted: 11 April 2020Tasted by: Anthony GismondiPrices:
BC$114.00750mlselect private retailers
AB$80.00750mlprivate wine shops
Producer: Mt. BraveDistributors: Summit Fine Wines
Grape: Cabernet SauvignonCSPC: 163507