Bravante Vineyards

A few weeks back, we attended the 28th Annual Taste of Howell Mountain. The event was hosted at Charles Krug in Napa and featured more than 40 producers. Needless to say: I needed a spittoon! Others were not so restrained, but Angwin is about 15 minutes from St. Helena with windy roads and steep inclines—which is great for wine but also why this event was so intriguing!

The entrance to Bravante up on Howell Mountain in Napa Valley.

You’ll find the tasting room and production facility at the end of a windy, steep driveway.

One of the producers we met while we were there was Bravante Vineyards. Bravante is a small producer and all their wines are produced on Howell Mountain. After tasting their Trio, actually a blend of four grapes (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec), we decided to make the trek up the Angwin to taste the rest of their current releases.

What makes the Howell Mountain AVA special? First, it’s “above the fog.” Second, the steep hillsides and soil makeup of volcanic ash and gravelly loam make for great drainage. This results in well-concentrated fruit.

Our tasting included five different pours. We started off with a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier blend. It was floral, crisp, and well-structured but not quite worth the price point for us. Next came four reds. In addition to the Trio—still a favorite—we sampled the Merlot, Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, and Estate Reserve. Like the Trio is good, the Estate Cabernet was great! There were floral notes on the nose, dark fruit on the front palate, and a perfect amount of French oak. Is the Estate Reserve—a blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon + Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot—going to be even better? I reserve judgement. (LOLZ)

The one wine we did not get to taste of their current releases was the Cabernet Franc. This wine is made in such limited production it is only available for purchase. (For all you cult cab franc-ists!)

The vineyard where the Cabernet for the Estate Reserve is grown, perfect terroir for growing struggling vines.

The day’s tasting menu.