Black fruits, scorched earth, graphite, toasted spice, and some chalky minerality all emerge from the 2019 Cabernet Franc. It's a straight, focused, layered Cabernet Franc that's going to benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age.

Made in a hearty, tannic and concentrated style, this wine nonetheless captures the variety's ability to project the environment in which it's grown, which in this case means sage and fresh-turned earth. Black fruit, iron and oak dominate but show the ability to integrate over time. Enjoy best from 2029-2034.

The 2019 Cabernet Franc Mt. Veeder comes across as slightly herbal and even almost pickle-y, with nice black cherries but also a hint of bell pepper. Full-bodied, with dusty tannins, it seems a bit underripe from a flavor perspective, lacking the ripeness and generosity of the other Mt Brave bottlings this year.