Mt. Brave, Mt. Veeder – Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

 As winemaker for Jackson Family’s high-end Napa Valley brands – Cardinale, Lokoya and Mt. Brave – Chris Carpenter has a sure hand with Cabernet Sauvignon, whether the fruit comes for the Howell Mountain, Mount Veeder, the benches along the valley floor or somewhere else from Jackson’s holdings.  Although the vintage and the terroir certainly have an influence, Carpenter’s Cabs seem to always be assertive while maintaining a core of seductive fruit down the middle of the taste – and Carpenter is as intelligent and interesting a winemaker as you will come across – an added plus for visitors to the estate.  The Mt. Brave fruit comes from the same Mt. Veeder vineyard that Chateau Potelle owned for several years,  The 2018 vintage has lovely aromas – not always a feature of Cabernets – that is reflected in the rich fruitiness on the palate with lots of fresh vanilla and old oak notes that come across soon after opening as almost like a vinous cheesecake.  With airing, the lusciousness is somewhat lessened, and the wine lengthens out to show savory notes and good finishing acidity.  In sum, it is one of those fascinating wines that should evolve significantly in the bottle.