Brown Estate Zinfandel 2001

When I first got serious about wine, I tried to limit my exploration to a variety that is both easy to find, and comparatively inexpensive (When compared to such wines as Pinot Noir or Cabernet), not to mention delicious.

Two of the wines a local wine merchant introduced to me during this time, were D-Cubed Cellars and Brown Estate. These are not your mother's Zinfandels. While I did not know it at the time, these two wineries have more in common then I had expected or anticipated.

Brown has used Duane Dappen, the proprietor/winemaker of D-Cubed Cellars, for winemaking, and consulting and assisting the current Brown winemaker, David F. Brown. Duane Dappen (there must be a third "D" in there somewhere!) buys grapes for some of his wines from the Brown Estate.

Both wines can have similar flavor profiles while exhibiting differences in their respective winemaking styles. They are very good. These Zins are always full, wide bodied wines, with bountiful fruit flavors and smooth round textures. They are wines that are as pleasurable to drink, as they are to enjoy with family and friends.

The 2001 Brown Estate Zinfandel is a classic example of Brown wines. 100% Zinfandel fruit from 4 different blocks of vines on Brown Property in the Chiles Valley District of Napa Valley.

If you're in the market for a high end Zin, give the Brown Estate a try. Current release is the 2004 Napa Valley Zinfandel, $36 direct, although you may find some 2003 around in local wine stores.

If in the Napa area and you want someplace different to visit, they have a beautiful property a ways out of the valley, with some picnic space and tasting by appointment only. They also now charge a fee of $25 for "non-library members". I have not a clue as to who they are referring to, but tell them you belong to the local library and see if it flys... The Brown sisters, who are usually found in or around the winery and frequently answer the phone, are two lovely and charming people that are a pleasure to meet.