
The wines of Mt. Brave
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
2023 Cabernet Sauvignon
98 Points
“...Building in the glass with youthful aromatics of ripe black and blue fruit layered with graphite and pressed wildflowers, underpinned by dark loamy earth, bright baking spice, and voilet nuances. The tannis are velvety and iron-laced... carrying a cocoa-poweder freshness and an ease that favours elegance over sheer mass. That elegance, or freshness factor, and approachable tannin make this a compelling wine...”
Jonathan Cristaldi
Decanter, June 2026
2014 Mt. Brave Cabernet Sauvignon Holiday 3L
This rare 3-liter bottling of the 2014 Mt. Brave Cabernet Sauvignon — praised by Robert Parker Jr. for its excellent purity and underlying balance — commands the room as a centerpiece for any holiday table, celebration, or cellar of distinction. Complete with a tasting certificate and ground shipping included, it is a gift poised for celebrating today or laying down for decades to come.
- 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon 3L
- Tasting Certificate
- Ground Shipping
2023 Merlot
97 Points
"...The result is refreshing, polished, smooth, and sauve: descriptors I've often used for wines from this vintage, but which also perfectly encapsulate Capenter's style here. There is a level of polish bordering on the obsessive, like a sports car endlessly detailed but rarely driven. This, however, is a wine you should absolutely take out out of the garage (or, in this case, the cellar). Once in the glass, it revs up with inky dark berry fruit and Asian spice, carried by ultra-fine, focused tannis that are remarkably smooth. A spine of juicy acidity runs through the core, supporting the building tannin structure and keeping the wine energetic, percise, and so drinkable. "
Jonathan Cristaldi
Decanter, June 2026
2024 Restricted Marsanne-Roussanne
Anjou pear, chamomile, hints of beeswax and straw.
82% Marsanne, 18% Roussanne
2024 Restricted Proprietary White Wine
The inspiration behind this wine was to explore these often underappreciated varieties and show how the can be greater thank the sum of the parts. Each variety plays a different roll. This year the Pinot Blanc really sparkled. Its focused energy serves as the heart of the wine. The Albariño was also brimming with aromatics and hints of salinity. Chenin Blanc and Marsanne add palate weight and complexity.
44% Pinot Blanc, 32% Albariño, 14% Marsanne, 10% Chenin Blanc
2024 Restricted Chenin Blanc
Early apricot, green almon, lemon zest, and quince.
100% Chenin Blanc
2024 Restricted White Wine Collection
Retail Price: $180 per 3-bottle set
Set Price: $165 per 3-bottle set
1 bottle of each wine included
2024 Restricted Chenin Blanc
100% Chenin Blanc
2024 Restricted Marsanne-Roussanne
82% Marsanne, 18% Roussanne
2024 Restricted Proprietary White Wine
44% Pinot Blanc, 32% Albariño, 14% Marsanne, 10% Chenin Blanc
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.