Fantastic Recognition by Jancis Robinson!

We are pleased to share recent comments from Jancis Robinson, a British wine critic, weekly wine writer for The Financial Times, and editor of The Oxford Companion to Wine, who recently reviewed Napa Cabernets. Needless to say, we were excited about her take on our Brandlin Estate Cabernet, in comparison to these other much higher priced producers.

Jancis Robinson – April 2015 
Napa Cab lightens up

At February’s 2015 Premiere Napa Valley Auction, Jancis Robinson tasted verticals from 12 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon producers organized by the Napa Valley Vintners. The wines were from the 2010, 2011 and 2012 vintages.

She was struck that exaggerated fruit bombs are becoming the exception rather than the rule and there really does seem to be a move towards more finesse and geographical expression. “Most of these wines were, admirably, single-vineyard Cabernets.”

Brandlin Estate Cabernet Sauvignon ($60) was one of only 12 Napa Cabernet producers selected by the NVV for this prestigious tasting. Others included Paul Hobbs ($175), J Davies ($90), Shafer Hillside Select ($250), Realm ($165) and Spottswoode ($175) among others.

Following are her notes from that tasting that used a 20 point scoring scale:
Brandlin, Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Mount Veeder
Well balanced and complete on the nose. Sweet start and spicy with lovely high-quality oak in evidence. Very pure and confident. But definitely new Napa.
17.5 pts (highest score for the vintage) 

Brandlin, Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Mount Veeder
Bright crimson. Red cherry fruit. Sappy and sinewy. Much less sweet than most Napa Cabs. A little dry on the end but a sincere honest wine that is not fighting the vintage. 16.5 pts (highest score for the vintage)

Brandlin, Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Mount Veeder
Bright ruby. Minty-sweet Napa but not overripe. Nicely balanced and fresh. Maybe a hint of green on the end? But attractive and appetizing. 17 pts (2nd highest score for the vintage)
Needless to say we were excited about her take on our Brandlin Estate
Cabernet in comparison to these other much higher priced producers.