Mt. Brave is a high‑elevation Napa Valley winery dedicated to crafting powerful, site‑driven wines from the rugged slopes of the Mt. Veeder AVA. Drawing on vineyards perched 1,400–1,800 feet above the valley floor, Mt. Brave produces small‑lot Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc marked by intense minerality, firm structure, and concentrated mountain fruit. The winery honors both the early pioneers who first farmed Mt. Veeder in the 1800s and the Wappo people—“the brave ones”—who originally inhabited the region. Farming here is notoriously challenging due to thin, rocky soils and steep terrain, but the struggle yields deeply expressive wines with notable aging potential.
A beautifully pure expression of Malbec, the nose delights with rhubarb and red cherries. The acidity is bright, while the mouthfeel is silky and framed by broad tannins.
95 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate Made from 100% Malbec, the 2018 Malbec Mt. Veeder was aged for 22 months in oak, 34% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, the nose is flamboyantly scented of baked plums, blackberry compote and blueberry coulis with wafts of baking spices and dried Provence herbs. Full-bodied, the palate is packed with concentrated black and blue fruits, supported by firm, grainy tannins, going long, lively and with a spicy kick on the finish.
95 Jeb Dunnuck All varietal, the 2018 Malbec is terrific and well worth seeking out. Sporting a dense purple color as well as impressive notes of spiced red and blue fruits, violets, toasted bread, and herbes de Provence-like nuances, it’s medium to full-bodied, has a rounded, mouthfilling texture, and enough velvety tannins to keep it showing well for over a decade.
94 Vinous The 2018 Malbec opens with a rush of inky red/purplish fruit, rose petals, lavender and spice. Rich, pliant and super-expressive, the 2018 is a winner in this range from Mt. Brave. All the elements come together beautifully in this sumptuous, structured Malbec. I would cellar the 2018 for at least a few years. It's a gorgeous wine.
93 James Suckling Chili, blackberry and blueberry aromas with a full body, firm and round tannins and a flavorful, savory finish. Rather chunky.
93 Wine Enthusiast Sanguine and nutty, this is a wonderfully generous and concentrated wine from the mountainous appellation. With tannin and power, it takes its time to unwind in the glass, with highlights of sage, black currant and blueberry fruit at its core. Enjoy best from 2028–2035.
