2016 Brio Red
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Tasting notes
Looking first at the 2016 Brio, which could be considered the second wine of the estate, it’s a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot aged 20 months in 50% new oak. It’s a forward, fleshy, incredibly charming effort that gives up loads of black fruits, leafy herbs, licorice, and tapenade notes, full-bodied richness, and sweet tannins. It’s ready to go but will cruise for 10-15 years. These Brand releases come from a vineyard on Pritchard Hill that’s owned by Ed Fitts. (It was originally planted by Josh Clark starting in 2005.) The wines are made by Philippe Melka.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
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Made from Cabernet Sauvignon from Pritchard Hill aged for 22 months in 50% new French oak, the deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Brio has open-knit notes of warm cassis, blueberry tart and crushed plums with touches of chargrill, beef drippings and Marmite toast plus a touch of bay leaves. Medium to full-bodied, it fills the mouth with firm, chewy tannins and plenty of savory layers, finishing with a pleasant herbal lift. 1,000 cases produced.
About the producer
BRAND is a boutique Napa Valley winery based on Pritchard Hill, known for producing limited-production Cabernet Sauvignon and proprietary red blends from estate mountain vineyards.