Mt Brave Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Mount Veeder; Napa; CA

This is a knockout deal from Napa that had our taste buds tingling for days. The Jackson Family, best known for blockbuster brands Kendall-Jackson and La Crema own and manage two boutique wine companies that are Estate-based and Site-specific. They started with a company focusing on Bordeaux Varietals purchasing great properties like Lokoya, La Jota, Verite and Cardinale, getting huge scores by the likes of Robert Parker and are impossible to get. Today’s wine is from that portfolio and is a knockout from the all-time great 2013 vintage (98pts Parker’s WA 97pts WS). The wine is Mt. Brave 2013 Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon. Mt. Brave is a tribute to the pioneering spirit of those who settled the rugged terrain of Mt. Veeder during the 1800s and an homage to the Wappo Indians, “the brave ones,” who were the original inhabitants of this extraordinary place. The Mt. Brave Vineyard, once the Chateau Potelle Vineyard, was established decades ago at elevations ranging from 1,400 to 1,800 feet. While Mt. Veeder is cool, Mt. Brave sits above the fog line, with morning sun warming the grapes each day. Soils are a sparse, gravelly loam. Nutrients and minerals are scant, resulting in tiny berries with concentrated and complex flavors. At harvest, small lug boxes must be carefully moved up and down the steep slopes to protect both vines and vineyard workers.  The winemaker at Mt. Brave is Chris Carpenter, who also helms the winemaking at La Jota, Verite, and Cardinale, the Jackson Family’s Napa Cab Trinity.  These are 100pt wines that start near $300 a bottle.  Mt. Brave sits right next to La Jota and blew us away at a quarter of the price. Great Deal On Hard Core Cult Napa!!

Classic Mount Veeder wine loaded with strong savory and mineral accents. Black fruit, graphite menthol and licorice lend complexity to this huge, explosive Cabernet Sauvignon.Blackberries and black currants with grape skin, lead pencil and pine cone. Full-bodied with round tannins and juicy fruit. Tamed tannins. Bright finish. Classy and authentic. Beautiful now, but will age beautifully. Incredibly satisfying Cabernet that does everything right.