Nestled on the western ridges of the Mayacamas in the northern tip of the Mt. Veeder AVA, Mt. Brave is a tribute to the pioneering spirit of those who settled the rugged terrain of Mt. Veeder during the 1800s and an homage to the Wappo Indians.

With an already legendary Napa winemaking record for Lokoya and Cardinale, Chris Carpenter has guided winemaking at Mt. Brave, which began in 2007. Chris has done amazing work crafting wines from Mt. Veeder and paying homage to the mountain’s rich history, while expressing a new, distinguished view. Mt Brave wines are consistently well made and have distinguished themselves among the finest wines we have tasted.

Grown in a vineyard block surrounded by dense forest, Mt. Brave Mt. Veeder Merlot truly reflects the terroir of Mt. Veeder. In the glass the color is opaque with purple on the edges. Both rich and delicate, the wine displays aromas of blackberry, along with ripe cherry, herbal-mint, pencil lead, a hint of black olive and a subtle whiff of vanilla. The wine remains full bodied, packed with velvety rich fruit and polished tannins. The acidity is balanced and gives the Merlot lift, through a prolonging intensely flavorful, and mouthwatering finish. The Mt Brave Mt Veeder Merlot can be enjoyed to drink now or hold up to 10 years.

By Perry Miroballi