This is a beautiful wine in the vein of the Old-School Napa Cabernet Sauvignon: restrained fruit and oak, hefty tannins, a core of acidity. Black cherry, black and blueberry, vanilla, violet, sandalwood, raspberry compote, cocoa powder, and spiced orange rind fill the palate. The flavors deviate from traditional Cabernet just a bit – even though this is comprised of mainly Cabernet with a little Malbec and even less Petite Verdot. There is less bright fruit and more of a rustic quality – words of praise – and this offers a wild side to its fruit. Some of that is due to the Mount Veeder location; a hillside plot overlooking San Pablo Bay, which can bring a “weathered” quality to the wine and that’s what this delivers - a slightly untamed edge to the fruit. Winemaker Steve Rogstad, who worked on this with winemaker Rebecca George, brings his usual deft touch to this wine, steering it appreciable to its final bottling, making this is a unique and intriguing wine that the Brandlin family should be proud of. ORIGIN: Napa Valley. ALCOHOL: 14.5%
