Mt. Brave
About Mt. Brabe
First planted to grapes in the 1860s, Mount Veeder is the largest Napa AVA covering an impressive 25 square miles of mountainous terrain. Despite its considerable size, a mere 1,000 acres are actually under vine, representing less than 2% of Napa’s total production with the single lowest average yields in the entire region.
A number of factors make this particular appellation so special, as is the case with all profound terroirs, including its soil composition as an ancient seabed and the influence of the San Pablo Bay. Its cooling effect means the vines of Mount Veeder are subject to a limited diurnal range, with the area enjoying daytime temperatures some 15 degrees cooler than the valley floor.
Emerging as a project under the impressive auspice of the mighty Jackson Family (Lokoya, Verité etc.) in 2007, there were no candidates more suitable to take the helm of this incredible property than the impressive Chris Carpenter, mastermind behind so many exceptional wines from Lokoya. Tremendously respected amongst the Napa winemaking community, few others possess such intimate knowledge of this terroir as Carpenter and his wines are testament to this.
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Jeb Dunnuck (97)
My favorite in the lineup was the 2016 Cabernet Franc Mt. Veeder. This rock star effort has a Cheval Blanc-like level of complexity and purity. Possessing a huge perfume of black cherries, blackberries, violets, lavender, and savory herbs, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, incredible elegance, ultra-fine tannins, and a great, great finish. It’s not a blockbuster, yet it has world-class complexity, elegance, and purity. Drink it any time over the coming 10-15 years.HK$4,590.00