2016 BRAVE & MAIDEN “SANTA YNEZ VALLEY” CABERNET SAUVIGNON

The Santa Ynez Valley AVA might be best known for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but when one of the world’s most Iconic winemakers consults on a Cabernet Sauvignon, I pay close attention…  Paul Hobbs has helped shape entire regions and bring them to the world stage.  Just look at what he’s done in Argentina with Malbec production… Back in the 1970’s, Cabernet Sauvignon was widely planted in Santa Barbara County, but by 2016 there were only around 700 acres planted there. Compare that to a combined 12,000+ acres of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.  The County has incredibly diverse micro-climates and there are pockets that produce stunning Bordeaux varietals.

Brave & Maiden uses all Estate fruit, and their vineyards lie in the Los Olivos sub-appellation of Santa Ynez. Their 2016 checks in at 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and was kept in barrel for 20 months.  The wine bears terrific intensity, and is loaded with dark berries, scorched earth, black chocolates and hints of graphite.

BUY NEW RELEASE –>  2017 BRAVE & MAIDEN CABERNET