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Mount Veeder Estate Vineyard
 Cuvaison
expanded its vineyard holdings in 1998, augmenting its estate wines
program with the purchase of the historic 170-acre Brandlin Vineyard in
the Mount Veeder range on the southwest side of the Napa Valley.
Composed of gravelly loam soil over shale, the vineyard lies on a
ridgeline overlooking Napa Valley. In 1999 the site has been planted to
32 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon and 2 acres each of Petite Verdot, Malbec
and Cabernet Franc.
Pioneers in mountain wine grape growing since settling on Mount Veeder in
the 1870s, the Brandlin’s were an integral part of the rugged
landscape. In 1926 they purchased and planted Zinfandel on what is now
Cuvaison’s Mount Veeder Estate vineyard. This noble site remains home to
10 acres of the original vines and to Chester Brandlin himself.
“We brought to Brandlin Vineyard all the lessons of Cuvaison’s 30 years of
viticulture - great care in the study of sun exposures and soil types,
and profound respect for the environment,” says winemaker Steve Rogstad.
“Our intention has been to honor the Brandlin family with a namesake
vineyard that produces intense and elegant Cabernet Sauvignon.”
Only a fraction of the site’s acreage is planted to vines, leaving the
majority to native oaks and other indigenous vegetation. Divided into 15
sustainably-farmed blocks, the vineyard showcases the varied aspects in
sun exposure, slope and soil composition. Vines endure the drought
stress typical of mountain vineyards, known for producing powerful
wines.
“You cannot taste Brandlin Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon without
acknowledging the impact of the site…” says Steve. “ Steep rocky soils
and a moderate climate render an intense, black fruited concentration
and powerful backbone of tannin that make this wine so unique
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