A Mount Veeder estate producing bold, tannic Cabernets from volcanic soils at 1,600 feet. Chris Carpenter, who also makes Lokoya and La Jota, brings deep mountain expertise.
Mt. Brave is a Mount Veeder estate producing bold, tannic Cabernets from volcanic soils at 1,600 feet, with Chris Carpenter (who also makes Cardinale, Lokoya, and La Jota) bringing his mountain-specialist expertise to one of the Mayacamas Range's most dramatic vineyard sites. Founded in 2011 as part of the Jackson Family Wines portfolio, the estate was conceived as a pure expression of Mount Veeder terroir, with the single-vineyard focus allowing Carpenter to explore the mountain's wild, untamed character without the blending that his Cardinale and Lokoya projects require.
The 35-acre vineyard sits on the volcanic slopes of Mount Veeder at 1,600 feet, planted to Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec on the thin, rocky soils that define the mountain's character. The Malbec planting, unusual for Mount Veeder, reflects Carpenter's interest in exploring how the variety performs at altitude. The mountain conditions produce fruit of deep concentration and firm tannic structure, with the volcanic soils contributing the mineral backbone that distinguishes Mount Veeder wines.
Chris Carpenter produces a Cabernet Sauvignon that captures Mount Veeder's wild intensity with the polish his mountain experience provides. The wine is dark and powerful, with the untamed, herbal-tinged character that Mount Veeder is known for, refined by Carpenter's understanding of how to manage mountain tannins. The Malbec is dark and spicy, showing the variety's potential at elevation.
Tastings are available by appointment, with the Mount Veeder setting providing dramatic views and the context for understanding the wine's intense character. The $85 fee includes the mountain wines.
Mt. Brave demonstrates that Mount Veeder's volcanic terroir continues to attract the valley's most talented mountain winemakers. Chris Carpenter's involvement, alongside his work at Lokoya's Mount Veeder bottling, gives him a uniquely comprehensive perspective on the mountain's potential, and the Mt. Brave wines capture the wild, mineral character that makes Mount Veeder one of Napa's most distinctive appellations.
Contact the winery for full details about this experience, including availability and any special requirements.
