2018 Mt. Brave
Mt. Veeder Malbec
The 2018 growing season started with late winter rains; then a spring marked with intermittent cloudy skies likely delayed bud-break and flowering, which was then followed by ideal fruit set conditions, driving up overall volumes by 20 – 30%. Steady summer heat accumulation with only a couple of short hike spikes combined with a near-perfect fall season created great phenolic accumulation without high sugar concentration. A beautifully pure expression of Malbec, the nose delights with rhubarb and red cherries. The acidity is bright, while the mouthfeel is silky and framed by broad tannins.
Christopher Carpenter
Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley
Aged 22 months in French oak (34% new)
100% Malbec
95 points
Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Robert Parker Wine Advocate, January 2021