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.
