2016 Mt. Brave Cabernet Franc

Community Tasting Notes (5) Avg Score: 93 points

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  3/24/2024 - ShadowIII Likes this wine: 93 Points

  Tasted blind, beautiful dark cherry, blueberry, great mouthfeel, long finish, just really nice

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  3/5/2024 - davidandrose Likes this wine: 92 Points

  Really enjoyed my last bottle of this, but not as stellar as a year ago. Right out of the bottle the nose was largely muted. After a 3 hr decant we're catching ripe blackberry on the palate though there's still plenty of room for this to open further.
  
  None of the green oddities one often sees in a CF are present.

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  1/30/2023 - davidandrose Likes this wine: 94 Points

  Decanted half the bottle on a cold, Monday night in Dallas, reserving the balance for another day. But based on initial tastes I may yet plow through the whole thing.
  
  30 minutes and the dark, heady nose shows creosote, leather and faint fruit but is otherwise restrained. Could this be a rhone? Fruit is tough to discern but definitely exists behind cigar on a nicely balanced palate. That's truly unique for a CF.
  
  Develops more character at the 90 min mark as the wine continues to open in the decanter. Really unique and refreshingly enjoyable expression of the varietal. Glad I just ordered a few more of these.

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  2/1/2022 - davidandrose Likes this wine: 92 Points

  Inspired to try this as I consider possible substitutions for my upcoming Spire order. After 75 mins opening in the glass there’s a dark muted nose of blackberry and pine needles.
  
  Tannins have softened vs initial pop and pour taste, but still have a quick if soft bite before giving way to ripe fruit. Not finding the bell pepper common to the varietal and pleased as its not our favorite characteristic.
  
  Give this wine 1.5 to 2 hrs to open up and you’ll be very happy. As 2/3 of the bottle is hooked up to a nitrogen canister I’m interested in seeing the balance in a day or two.
  
  Day 2: while still decent, this is softer with the tannins fully integrated but not as interesting.

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  3/5/2021 - Matt Scott Likes this wine: 94 Points

  The suave and elegant tendencies shine, with a full body and starchy tannin - along with some grip. Broiled red pepper, blackberry, tar, freesia and red licorice, with some earth. The finish echoes on with focus and momentum, and the middle palate is quite attractive. We need more Napa Cabernet Franc of this ilk. Drink now - 2036.

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