Unsurprisingly, the High Valley AVA takes its name from its 1,600 to 3,000 feet above sea level location. The mountains here run east-west, unlike most of the California ranges, and allow the grapes to be cooled by Pacific Ocean breezes. Despite those cooling breezes and the coolness of the elevation, Brassfield manages to get its grapes quite ripe, which results in this powerhouse Cabernet with15.4 percent stated alcohol. The welcome structure that Cabernet provides harmonizes with the dark fruit in this robust wine. Despite the relatively high stated alcohol, it is not apparent because there’s so much else going on. Savory — black olive-like — nuances offset the wine’s prominent fruitiness. To their credit, Brassfield has fashioned a balanced dynamo that would be a fine choice looking for a hearty wine to accompany grilled lamb.
91 Michael Apstein – Oct 1, 2025