2019 Brandlin Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder

Winemaker Notes:  The 2018 vintage was a long, slightly cool season, devoid of heat spikes and late rains which offered ample hangtime through a glorious autumn for the fruit to mature without losing its underpinning structure and true character. The beauty of this ridgetop vineyard is its ability to produce wines of structure and balance. The 2018 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is the essence of Mount Veeder, a beguiling balance of complex, sophisticated aromatics and fruit intensity wed to a core of taut yet silky tannins. Notes of cassis, lingonberry, black cherry, and crushed cocoa come to the fore with hints of violets, thyme, black tea, and kirsch all layer on a bed of velvety tannin.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


Wine Spectator - "Very expressive, with zesty anise and apple wood mixed with sassafras and sweet bay leaf flavors, all backed by a dense, polished core of blackberry and açaí berry fruit. Features a hint of tar that adds spine and textural contrast to the finish. Big all around, but everything is well-proportioned. Best from 2023 through 2038."


Wine Enthusiast - "Very ripe, lush, jammy fruit flavors give a lot of pleasure to this full-bodied wine as moderate tannins add good structure to the palate, firming up black cherries, cranberries and blueberries that show excellent depth. Best from 2025–2035."


James Suckling - "Blueberries, stewed blackberries, chocolate, espresso, dried herbs and sweet tobacco on the nose. Full-bodied with firm, muscular tannins. Compact and fragrant with a firm finish. Try after 2023."