LIMITED MOUNTAIN RELEASES
Acclaim earned at elevation
A limited collection from the rugged slopes of Mt. Veeder, featuring wines that have earned the highest scores in Mt. Brave’s history.
2023 Malbec
100 Points
"Chris Carpenter’s thesis at UC Davis was on Malbec, and what he knew of it from Argentina, he applied when he got his hands on the fruit for this wine (the original block was planted in the early 2000s, with a second planting in 2008); and he is quick to point out that this is 'Not an Australian Malbec', but he loved the bright red fruit and rhubarb-like character that comes from those wines. Here, under the Mt. Brave label, in the glass, what I can tell you is that it's one of the most compelling Malbec wines from the United States that I've ever tasted. It delivers its blue-fruit character with riveting freshness, layered with black raspberry and graphite mineral notes, floral tones that wow the senses, all building to a medium- to full-bodied richness on the palate. Never overripe, never too rich, just in the perfect vein of balanced freshness with mineral tension. The tannins are super fine and velvety, and the finish goes on for days and days. This is a game-changing Malbec from Napa; for those who think they have California Malbec figured out, get a bottle of this and be prepared to be floored."
Jonathan Cristaldi, Decanter June 2026
2023 Cabernet Franc
100 Points
"The Cabernet Franc vines here are shaded by towering Douglas firs, casting long shadows across the site as the sun stes. Originally intended as a blending component for the Cabernet Sauvignon, winemaker Chris Carpenter loved the signature and its similarity to what was happening with the La Jota Cabernet Franc on Howell Mountain. Here, across the valley on Mount Veeder, the Cabernet Franc shows real forest berry intensity that carries through to the tannins, which have a deep redwood or conifer quality to them; like the dark, firm bark of those trees, but finely grained and perfectly integrated. They form a solid foundation for all of the dark blackberry fruit and rich brown baking spice character to shine through, alongside dark salted chocolate notes, and intense graphite minerality that spreads itself across the palate with such fantastic mineral intensity that you really have to marvel at this wine. It's such a structural marvel, and in a challenging vintage like 2022, all the more impressive. Enjoy this wine now for its decadent up-front dark fruit and spice, or lay it down and watch it evolve into magical complexity over the next 20 to 30 years."
- Jonathan Cristaldi, Decanter June 2026
2021 Single Block Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2021 Mt. Brave Single Block Cabernet Sauvignon reveals exquisite layers of bright blueberry, cool graphite, and a hint of lavender. The wet stone minerality is framed by mouthwatering acidity and chewy tannins, driving to a persistent finish.