Reviews & Ratings

2005 Bravante Vineyards Merlot "Howell Mountain"

Winery: Bravante Vineyards

Vintage: 2005

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Howell Mountain"

Wine Category: Merlot

Grape blend: 83.6% Merlot, 9.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, & 6.9% Cabernet Franc

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Howell Mountain

State or country: CA

Price: $39

Cases produced: 200

KWG Score: 91.7 (based on 2 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (91.5)

Review date: July 29, 2008

Wine Review: This big Merlot from Bravante was the winner of this years blind Merlot tasting. This very dark opaque purple wine opens with a spicy black cherry bouquet with hints of chocolate and a dash of black pepper. On the palate, this medium bodied wine is smooth, rich, robust, with flavor packed spicy black cherry flavors. The finish is dry, crisp, with tingly tannins, and an extended finish. The panel felt this awesome wine would pair very well with a NY strip steak, a rib eye, or a veal chop. Enjoy – KWGTP

Winemaker Notes: The mouthfeel shows off the luscious mountain fruit, while the silky tannins remind you of earth and chalk - typical Howell Mountain trademarks. The nose is intense, with aromas of blackberries, provencial herbs, and the usual hints of mushrooms, chalk and earth that our wines always turn up. The finish tracks the aromas and palate with the addition of just a hint of spicy oak - and cinnamon, and the wine is so firm and balanced, you only notice the oak as the gentle, "velvet glove" holding it all in place.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Bravante 2005 Merlot "Howell Mountain".