2016 Mt Brave Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. Veeder is composed of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 3.5% Merlot, 1.5% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot. Deep purple-black, it sings of warm blackberries, cassis and wild blueberries with hints of violets, dark chocolate, cigar box and menthol. Full-bodied and laden with black and blue fruit, it has a firm structure of grainy tannins and wonderful freshness, finishing long.

95 points robertparker.com

Lastly, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. Veeder is another winner that more than overdelivers. While from mountain fruit, this 2016 shows a more rounded, supple, even sexy style to go with beautiful Cabernet notes of blackcurrants, lavender, jammy blackberry, and earthy/herbal characteristics. With ultra-fine tannins, nicely integrated acidity, and plenty of mid-palate depth, drink this perfectly balanced Mt. Veeder Cabernet any time over the coming two decades or more.

95 points Jeb Dunnuck jebdunnuck.com

Mount Brave is one of the Jackson Family Wines' flagship estates, producing small quantities of mountain grown Cabernet Sauvignon from the rugged slopes of Mount Veeder in Napa Valley. High elevation vineyards, steep terrain and meticulous viticulture combine to create wines of remarkable intensity, structure and longevity, placing Mount Brave among the finest mountain Cabernet producers in California.

Perched between 400 and 800 metres above sea level, the vineyards sit above the valley floor where cooler temperatures and rocky volcanic soils naturally restrict yields and produce berries of exceptional concentration. The outstanding 2016 vintage delivered wines of power and elegance, with Mount Brave producing a Cabernet that perfectly captures the rugged beauty of its mountain home.

The colour is an inky deep purple black. Aromas of cassis, blackberry and black cherry are layered with graphite, cedar and crushed violets. As the wine opens, notes of dark chocolate, espresso, tobacco leaf and mountain herbs emerge, adding remarkable complexity. The palate is rich and commanding, combining concentrated black fruits with beautifully polished tannins and vibrant acidity. The finish is exceptionally long, carrying flavours of graphite, spice and finely integrated oak.

Magnificent with dry aged rib eye, slow roasted beef short ribs, venison loin or black truffle dishes worthy of a wine of this stature. Drinking beautifully with a generous decant today, while the structure and balance promise graceful evolution for another two decades.