TN: 2004 Bravante Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain
Those of you who have been reading this site for some time, know that I don’t review too many California Cabernets. But, with all the hype of the 2004 vintage I am trying to get my hands on as many as possible to see if they are really worth all the excitement. The problem is, the prices are astronomical! With many of the better wines well over $50 and some even into the $150 or more range, there are a lot better ways to spend your money!
Today’s wine is the 2004 Bravante Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain. It’s reasonably priced for the vintage at around $50, but again, I could get 2-3 good bottles of wine from Chile, Argentina, Portugal, etc…for that same price. Nonetheless, California Cabernet’s are America’s premier and most highly celebrated wine and can be quite great. Heck, some are even worth the money. This Bravante is one of them.
2004 Bravante Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain : Decanted. Dark purple color – possesses big dark berry and currant, herb, vanilla, and spice notes. The body is medium to big with integrated and refined tannins that finish with a touch of spice and chocolate. Lovely with a medium-rare ribeye – drinking very nice now. Re-corked and drank great on Day 2 as well. My rating: 92 pts, GV (Good Value for a California Cabernet)
Hi! thanks so much for the kind review. I found this while browsing for Baltimore info. I am coming to the area next week on a market visit and wanted to let you know our schedule. Wednesday I will be pouring Bravante at Grand Cru Belvedere Plaza and then Friday night at a wine dinner at Flemings (not sold out yet I think) and then Satruday at D-Wine Wine Shop. Would love to meet you. Take care,
Michelle Hunt, Bravante Vineyards
[...] wines of Bravante. Bravante may sound familiar as I have reviewed one of their wines in the past (see the review here). Represented by Michelle Hunt, of Bravante Vineyards, the four wines we had were quite different [...]
[...] Bravante Cabernet Sauvignon – $50: Consistent with my previous notes: dark fruits, deep color, herb, vanilla. Not decanted this time around, but it drank nicely. My [...]