Palate

The 2011 Mt. Brave Cabernet presents notes of roasted espresso, blueberry, anise, and violets with a cleansing minerality, expansive mouth feel, and great balance.

Growing Conditions

The Mt. Brave vineyard is famous for its rugged terrain and steep slopes, where extreme conditions require that all work in the vineyard be done by hand. High above the fog, the vineyard sits at between 1,400-1,800 feet, where nutrient poor, thin soils barely hold water, resulting in tiny berries with intense flavor. While Mt. Veeder is cooler because of its elevation, it’s the first to see the early morning sun. This extended sun exposure helps ripen the tannins

Harvest

Tannin management begins in the vineyard. Hand-harvested in cool morning hours. Average Brix at Harvest 25º.

Winemaking

In-barrel malolactic fermentation using native strains.Barrel-to-tank racking for natural clarity.

Aging

Aging in French oak barrels 19 months (91% new oak)