Brand’s hallmark wine, from estate vineyard N°92 on Pritchard Hill, balances beauty and finesse with intensity and structure. This under-the-radar site is well-suited to slow-ripening Cabernet Franc. The grapes are meticulously sorted and minimally handled to preserve the aromatic elegance. Select barrels of Cabernet Sauvignon add energy and lift to the blend. Aged in French oak barrels for 22 months, the wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered.

In the glass, the wine carries a dominant fruit-dense palate of black plums, blackberries and rspberry coulis with waves of milk chocolate, sandalwood and all-spice throughout. Very perfumed, with violets and crushed rose petal also dominate the slowly evolving flavours over time. The wine can be enjoyed now and also has the structure to age gracefully for many years to come.

“The 2019 Proprietary Blend is a 62-38 assemblage of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon from 1,300 feet above sea level on Pritchard Hill. Scents of violets escape from the glass, along with hints of cassis, purple raspberries and mocha. It’s full-bodied and richly textured but brighter and fresher-tasting than the 2018 and more energetic on the palate, with a long, softly dusty finish.

Both the 2018 and 2019 vintages have turned out well at this boutique property, located high on the slopes of Pritchard Hill. Purchased in 2019 by former Apple execs Jim Bean and Christine O’Sullivan, the vineyards are undergoing conversion to biodynamic principles. Consultant Philippe Melka has been involved with Brand since the project’s inception.”
96+ points, Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate, May 2022