27 February, 2019
Bravante Vineyards Wines
Comments : 2 Posted in : Cabernet Sauvignon, Other Red Blends, Red Wine on by : The Gourmez
Obligatory disclaimer: These wines from Bravante Vineyards were free for my review.
The Winery
Bravante Vineyards has been producing wine for nearing twenty years on Howell Mountain, in the eastern Napa Valley. Their small selection of wines is all estate-grown, from either the Stone Ridge or Black Oak vineyards. Duane Dappen, who owns D-Cubed Cellars and has been making wines since his 4-H club days, is their winemaker.
Shall we drink?
The Reviews
Bravante Vineyards 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon
I like the classic style of this label–just simple, beautiful silver grapes on a field of black. The wine itself is mainly cabernet sauvignon with merlot added for blending. Its color is an inky reddish-purple blend. Depth of flavor is achieved; you can taste the trowel heading down into the vineyard’s soil. The wine’s body is remarkably thin for a cabernet sauvignon. Shriveled berries come to mind on tasting; perhaps elderberry and currants left to sun-dry on the bush. Blackberry is present as a suggestion rather than a statement, like looking at a spent bush in winter and dreaming of it being heavily laden with berries come summer. Some cranberry acidity and green peppercorns finish it off.
My score:
4.5/5
Bravante Vineyards 2013 Trio
This Bordeaux-style blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and cabernet franc makes for very easy drinking. It’s so well blended, you might worry about a loss of personality. But only for a moment, as the fresh blackberry and plum notes are quickly complemented with mocha and a slight pull of roasted nopales. It’s tasty!
My score:
4/5
Reviewed 13 December 2018.
2 thoughts on : Bravante Vineyards Wines
They have one of the best wines that I have drank in my whole life. The taste makes you go back to the time when it was brewed, so that is the special thing about this wine.
Excellent, Greg!