The wines of Brandlin Vineyard reflect the classic Mount Veeder terroir - rich fruit and great tannin structure. Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot are tended in 15 distinct blocks, imparting profound character and complexity. At harvest, grapes are hand-picked, hand-sorted, de-stemmed and gravity fed into small fermentation vats. Traditional winemaking methods include cold soaking, extended maceration on the skins, aerative pump-overs and nearly two years of aging in French oak barrels.
Buy 2010 Brandlin Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
ACCOLADES -- A history of success
2009 Brandlin Cabernet Sauvignon - 92+ POINTS
"The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is a very pretty wine, but it needs time in the glass to open up. Dark cherries, plums, licorice, flowers and grilled herbs are some of the nuances that emerge from this mid-weight, gracious Cabernet Sauvignon. This isn’t a blockbuster, but rather a wine built along more classic lines. I really like the balance here. It appears there is significant upside, as the wine keeps getting better and better with time in the glass. In 2009 the blend includes 14% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc. "
- Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate, January 2012
2008 Brandlin Cabernet SauvignoN - 91 POINTS
Is one of "18 Outstanding Napa Cabernets! This well-structured red is marked by a tight, flinty, minerally edge, yet nonetheless offers a complex core of dried berry, roasted herb, sage and cedar. Ends with the tannins giving the flavors tracti on. Best from 2012 through 2022."
- James Laube, Wine Spectator, August 1, 2011
2007 Brandlin Cabernet SauvignoN - 94+ POINTS
"A blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc, the 2007 Brandlin Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. Veeder exhibits complex aromatics of plums, licorice, cassis, charcoal, and flowers. This dense purple-colored wine cascades over the palate with sweet, velvety tannins, a hint of minerality, and youthful vigor and exuberance. Impressively concentrated, deep, and long, it will benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring, and last for 20+ years. These are top-notch efforts!"
- Robert Parker, December 2009
2006 Brandlin Cabernet SauvignoN - 93 POINTS
"The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. Veeder (86% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot) is one of the finest wines of the vintage. Its dense ruby/purple color is accompanied by aromas of creme de cassis, licorice, forest floor, and floral undertones. The wine possesses layers of fruit in addition to full-bodied power, and plenty of well-integrated, velvety tannin. Drink this beauty over the next 10-15 years."
- Robert Parker, Robert Parker Wine Advocate, December 2009
2006 Brandlin Cabernet SauvignoN - 92 POINTS
"One of the "Year's Best Cabernet Sauvignons" This is an elegant, red-fruited 2006 cabernet. The scent of the wine is vibrant, in the realm of tiny strawberries and other pine forest scents; the tannins have a red edge to their darker, earthy mineral tones. Those tannins feel a little worked, softened and rounded in the cellar, making the fruit accessible without diminishing their Veeder character. It's suited to a few years of age and a thick-cut lamb chop."
- Joshua Greene, Wine & Spirits, December 1, 2009
2006 Brandlin Cabernet SauvignoN - 90 POINTS
"Firm, rich, intense and concentrated, with fresh, vibrant black cherry, currant and wild berry fruit that's pure and vibrant, showing a pleasing earthy mineral character, joined by a touch of herb. Drink now through 2016."
- James Laube, Wine Spectator, August 1, 2009
2006 Brandlin Cabernet SauvignoN - 90 POINTS
"This is a gigantic Cabernet. It detonates on the palate with an explosion of blackberries, black currants, chocolate, anise and smoky cedar, wrapped in firm, dusty mountain tannins. It's the perfect example of a Mount Veeder Cab."
- Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast, December 1, 2009
2006 Brandlin Cabernet SauvignoN - 92 POINTS
"Garnet hue with a fuchsia rim. Fresh aromas of violets and clove with a notable flintiness. Accessible flavors of black cherry and plum edged by white pepper and mint. Raspy tannins support flamboyant fruit in the spicy finish."
- The Wine News, October 1, 2009
2005 Brandlin Cabernet SauvignoN - 93 POINTS
"This is an excellent young Cabernet Sauvignon that will take some bottle age. Coming on the heels of the high-scoring 2004, it's full-bodied and extraordinarily rich, with intense blackberry, black currant, chocolate, coffee and cedar flavors, wrapped into near-perfect tannins. Shows great grapes and a deft winemaking hand."
- Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast, March 2009
Chester Brandlin and Winemaker
Steve Rogstad
About The Winemaker
Steve Rogstad learned his winemaking craft in France before attending graduate school in enology and viticulture at UC Davis. His winemaking career has included Spring Mountain Vineyards, and Rombauer where he worked with custom clients Viader, Neyers and Dominus. While at Spring Mountain Vineyards, Steve discovered the keys to concentrating fruit and balancing tannins on a steep hillside. Understanding the value of limiting yields and practicing patience has served him well with the tricky, variable climate and free draining soils of Mount Veeder. Joining Cuvaison Estate Wines as winemaker in 2002, Steve brings mountain vineyard know-how and passion to his work with Brandlin Vineyard.
