2022 Mt Brave Cabernet Franc

The Cabernet Franc vines here are shaded by towering Douglas firs that cast long shadows across the site as the sun sets. Originally intended as a blending component for the Cabernet Sauvignon, winemaker Chris Carpenter was so struck by the wine’s signature that he chose to bottle it on its own—especially given its kinship to the La Jota Cabernet Franc from Howell Mountain. But here, across the valley on Mount Veeder, the wine takes on a distinct profile, with an intense forest berry character that carries through to the tannins. There’s a deep, redwood or conifer-like quality to them—dark and firm like the bark of those trees—. Yet, they’re finely grained and seamlessly integrated, forming a solid foundation for layers of blackberry fruit, rich brown baking spice, dark salted chocolate, and a piercing graphite minerality that spreads across the palate with thrilling precision. It’s a structural marvel, and all the more impressive in the challenging 2022 vintage. Enjoy now for its up-front decadence of dark fruit and spice, or cellar it and watch it evolve into something truly magical over the next 20 to 30 years.

Big but balanced, bursting with black fruit and savory notes on a firm structure of fine-grained tannins. It starts with floral and black cherry aromas, then blackberry, graphite, tobacco leaf and mocha flavors that expand on the palate and linger in the finish. Drinkable now, but best from 2030.