BRAND Proprietary Blend 2018

(Napa Valley, CA) $250

Because I live in Napa Valley, people often ask me to name Napa’s up-and-coming superstars—small wineries that few people know about—yet. Brand is one of those wineries. Tucked up in the mountains next door to Colgin on Pritchard Hill, the winery’s vineyards are on rocky slopes 1200 to 1400 feet in elevation. Brand makes a fantastic, polished Cabernet with mountain-power. But my favorite wine is their stunning Proprietary Blend (Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon) with its hedonistic blue velvet softness, soaring structure, and its savory, dark chocolate and violet flavors. It’s a complex wine with a delicious sense of aliveness and purity. Great to drink now; undoubtedly sensational with even a few more years of aging. Brand is owned by Christine O’Sullivan and Jim Bean, both of whom spent their early careers working with Steve Jobs at Apple. They know a thing or two about intensity (in work and in wine). (14.9 % abv)

96 points KM

Available at Brand