Palate
Mt. Brave’s 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon has a full and rich texture that mingles with the aromas of violets and flavors of raspberries, blueberries and a touch of vanilla. Combined with mountain tannins that are massaged into an approachable, mouth-filling crescendo, the finish culminates with notes of mountain shale.
Growing Conditions
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.
Harvest
Hand-harvested in cool morning hours, average Brix at Harvest 25º.
Winemaking
Tannin management begins in the vineyard. In-barrel malolactic fermentation using native strains.Barrel-to-tank racking for natural clarity.
Aging
Aging in French oak barrels 22 months (85% new oak)
