2016 Proprietary Blend
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Tasting notes
The 2016 Proprietary Blend is another gem that has plenty of upside. Based on 65% Cabernet Franc and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in 70% new oak, it has classic Franc character in its dried flower, potpourri, cedar, chocolate, and assorted red and black fruits. Rounded, expansive, and textured, with a layered mouthfeel and nicely integrated acidity, it too needs short-term cellaring and has 15-20 years of prime drinking. These Brand releases come from a vineyard on Pritchard Hill that’s owned by Ed Fitts. (It was originally planted by Josh Clark starting in 2005.) The wines are made by Philippe Melka.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2016 Proprietary Blend, Brand's Cabernet Franc-based blend, is a dark, unctuous wine. Blackberry jam, chocolate, torrefaction, menthol and dark spice infuse this full-throttle, ample wine. Time in barrel has softened some of the edges. Even with all of its intensity, the 2016 retains tons of nuance and vibrancy to play off the dark, super-rich fruit. Best of all, the 2016 will drink well upon release. It would be nice to see a little more Franc character, but the 2016 is nicely done just the same.
The 2016 Proprietary Blend, Brand's Cabernet Franc-based blend, is a dark, unctuous wine. Blackberry jam, chocolate, torrefaction, menthol and dark spice infuse this full-throttle, ample wine. Time in barrel has softened some of the edges. Even with all of its intensity, the 2016 retains tons of nuance and vibrancy to play off the dark, super-rich fruit. Best of all, the 2016 will drink well upon release. It would be nice to see a little more Franc character, but the 2016 is nicely done just the same.
Composed of 65% Cabernet Franc and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon from Pritchard Hill and aged 22 months in 70% new French oak, the deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Proprietary Red Estate is a little closed, slowly revealing notes of crushed black cherries, mulberries, redcurrant jelly and licorice with hints of pencil shavings and incense plus a waft of potpourri. The palate is full-bodied and concentrated with loads of energy and depth, framed by ripe, grainy tannins and finishing long and lively. Beautiful. 400 cases produced.
About the producer
BRAND is a boutique Napa Valley winery based on Pritchard Hill, known for producing limited-production Cabernet Sauvignon and proprietary red blends from estate mountain vineyards.