Brandlin Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder 2018

This 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.

From the producer's high-elevation site, and blended with 8% Cabernet Franc, 7% Malbec and 5% Petit Verdot, this is an earthy and brooding red. Sage, cedar and dark berry fruit combine around polished tannin and notes of crushed rock and dark chocolate, finishing with a tease of spicy clove.

Lots of ripe black fruit with blackcurrant jam, nutmeg and cedar on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with layers of juicy blackberries and toasty-spice notes, framed by firm, sleek tannins. Dense palate.

A perfumed, fresh nose filled with violets, lavender, black currants. The palate is plush, dense and precise, finishing with a purity and deftness that is increasingly hard to find in Napa. Impressively ready to drink even at this young stage.