Mt. Brave Napa Cabernet 2021

Mt. Brave Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 is a powerful, exceptionally structured California red wine crafted by winemaker Chris Carpenter from high-elevation hillside sites situated on the rocky slopes of Mount Veeder. Visually displaying a deep garnet-purple hue, it opens with a super-fragrant and complex bouquet of fresh cassis, dark plum paste, wild blueberries, and crushed violets, seamlessly layered with dried sage, bay leaf, graphite minerality, and cedary oak. On the palate, it exhibits a full body with a solidly constructed core of muscular blue and black fruit, supported by firm, chalky mountain tannins and a driving vein of fresh acidity that carries through to a remarkably long, savory, and spice-tinged finish.

Food Pairing: Pairs wonderfully with grilled prime ribeye steak, roasted rack of lamb, braised beef short ribs, venison tenderloin, and aged hard cheeses.

99 Points - James Suckling

A fabulous wine of focus and polish with very fine tannins that caress your palate and give great length to the finish. Medium to full body. The aromas of violets and currants are so beautiful. Dreamy. Best ever? A blend of 92% cabernet sauvignon, 4% cabernet franc, 2% merlot, 1% malbec and 1% petit verdot. A total of 3830 cases produced. Give it three to four years to soften.

95 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. Veeder includes 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot and 1% each Malbec and Petit Verdot. Cassis and blueberries are joined on the nose by hints of dried sage, bay leaf and cedary oak. Like the Cabernet Franc, it's full-bodied and silky, with drying tannins and mouthwatering ripeness on the long finish. Give it a couple of years in the cellar and drink it over the next couple of decades.

94 Points - Wine Spectator

This is deep and winey, with cassis, plum paste and linzer torte notes leading the way. Structured but succulent, offering singed apple wood, bay and cast iron accents that support the fruit through the long and focused finish. Very Veeder, with a touch of old school. Best from 2025 through 2040.