Perched between 300 and 400m elevation, well above the fog line on Mount Veeder, the Brandlin estate encompasses 19ha of Napa Green Certified vines. Aged 22 months in 50% new French oak. The director of winemaking is Steve Rogstad. This powerful mountain red is impressively polished, imbued with the superfine and compact tannins so prevalent in the top Cabernet wines from 2021. They latch on to every corner of the palate, arresting it, but there's so much acid freshness in the wine that their resolution is quick, revealing a host of enticing mocha and fresh cocoa nib notes. Aromas and flavours of violets, blackcurrants, spiced plums, and bing cherry are laced with sweet tobacco, while fragrant, toasty cedarwood frames the entirety of this youthful and exuberant wine. (JC)