Napa’s Mt. Brave is back with two big 2012 releases: A malbec and a cabernet sauvignon, the winery’s signature release.

Thoughts on both wines follow.

2012 Mt. Brave Malbec Mt. Veeder – 98% malbec, 2% cabernet sauvignon. It may be a little thin around the edges, but the notes of black pepper, currants, and rhubarb all combine to give this wine a big, balanced lift. Nicely herbal, the body is long, dusted with licorice and cloves. While I’d love to see a little more acid lift this wine up a bit, the light chocolate notes and hints of roasted nuts give it a fun New World spin when compared to many a malbec. A- / $75

2012 Mt. Brave Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. Veeder – 88% cabernet sauvignon, 5% merlot, 4% cabernet franc, 3% malbec. This is the best expression of Mt. Brave I’ve encountered to date, a lush and rounded cabernet that is loaded up with chocolate, currants, brambly earth, and lightly bitter coffee grounds. The body develops and brings with it notes of cloves, some Asian spices, and licorice — all good and engaging things that make this Napa cabernet all the more engaging. One of the best 2012 cabernets I’ve experienced so far. A / $75

mtbravewines.com

2012 Mt. Brave Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. Veeder

$75

9.5

Rating

9.5/10

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