Deep Cover: “A good value…” (at $145!) per Jeb Dunnuck…

What about $59 then, Jeb? With a solid 94 points, this “exuberant and expansive” Howell Mountain red has what you crave!

Bravante is back! We have a longstanding love for their TRIO, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot and Cabernet Franc. It always delivers.

When we recently tasted the 2019 TRIO it still had brawny, firm, Howell Mountain tannins; so, we asked if they had anything else to please the masses.

Here’s the answer. Our very first shot at their precious 7-barrel RESERVE blend from 2018.

Great things are expected from the winemaking genius of Philip Titus of Chappellet fame that Wine Business called “one of the New World’s most distinguished winemakers is a master at crafting mountain-grown wines.” Well, duh.

Considering many Howell Mountain Reserves go for $200+, this price is basically criminal with 59% OFF.

This flexes a classic Howell Mountain profile, thanks to a predominant core of Cabernet Sauvignon, with Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and PV filling in with layers of complexity. Unabashedly rich and fruity, with showy red and black fruits supported by dusty, cedary oak and licorice nuances. It strengthens up on the long finish, with telltale fine-grained tannins allowing an avalanche of aroma and flavor to flow.

No wonder Bravante was picked on a Decanter “Best Howell Mountain 2018 wines” spotlight back in 2020, with just 10 picks highlighted, in the company of Lokoya, La Jota, and O’Shaughnessy. Meanwhile, a recent Robb Report article showcased Bravante as one of their “9 Best from the Storied Howell Mountain Appellation,” amongst the “small volume cult wines that take a little work to acquire.”

Which we did, for you, and that’s why it’s a Deep Cover, Ops: get it while you can!

94 Points – Jeb Dunnuck “A good value, the 2018 Red Blend Estate Reserve comes all from Howell Mountain and is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Cabernet Franc, and the balance a mix of Malbec and Petit Verdot. Lots of mulled red and black fruits, dried herbs, tobacco, and loamy soil notes all emerge from the glass, and this beauty is medium to full-bodied, with a rounded, supple texture, ripe, velvety tannins, and a great finish. A more exuberant, expansive 2018, it has plenty of up-front appeal yet should easily evolve for 10-15 years. Drink 2021-2036.”