Reviews & Ratings

2004 Bravante Vineyards Merlot "Howell Mountain"

Winery: Bravante Vineyards

Vintage: 2004

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Howell Mountain"

Wine Category: Merlot

Grape blend: 83.6% Merlot, 9.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, & 6.8% Cabernet Franc

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Howell Mountain

State or country: CA

Price: $38

Cases produced: 320

KWG Score: 89.5 (based on 4 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good (89.99-87)

Review date: November 14, 2007

Wine Review: I tried this very dark purple Merlot over several days. It opens with a spicy blackberry like bouquet. On the palate, this medium bodied wine is initially big, intense, juicy, slightly acidic, and has spicy black cherry like flavors. It does smooth out nicely with time and air. The finish is quite dry, and slowly fades away. This wine would pair well with a slow roasted beef brisket. Enjoy - Ken

Winemaker Notes: Our new release, 2004 Howell Mountain Merlot is a monster! Bursting with huge mountain black fruit and silky tannins. 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 Merlot.