From: Napa Valley, CA
Varietal: Zinfandel
Taste: This gorgeous and restrained Zinfandel exudes elegance and complexity. It exhibits characteristics of dried hibiscus flowers and rose petals, Asian spice, violets, cedar, vanilla-allspice-ginger spice box, and subtle cedar on the nose. On the palate, it is medium-bodied, soft, smooth, and supple, with a lush, creamy mouthfeel. The upfront fruit that is a hallmark of Zinfandel is present, with wonderful raspberry notes, but it also has the polish, elegance, and complexity that makes this wine a standout. The tannins are well-integrated, leading to a long and satisfying finish. Overall, this wine is beautifully structured and elegant, with a complexity that makes it a standout among California Zinfandels.
Pairing: This Zinfandel is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of dishes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Here are some general pairing recommendations to help you enjoy this wine to the fullest:
Grilled or roasted meats, such as steak, lamb, or pork (check out the braised ribs recipe below!)
Barbecued ribs or chicken
Hearty stews and casseroles, such as beef bourguignon or boeuf en daube
Spicy dishes (not too spicy please), such as Indian or Thai curries and Moroccan or Mexican cuisine
Charcuterie, such as prosciutto or salami
Grilled or roasted vegetables, such as eggplant, zucchini, or portobello mushrooms
Spicy vegetable dishes (but not too spicy!), such as Indian or Thai curries with chickpeas or tofu
Pasta dishes with tomato-based sauces or mushroom ragu
Pizza with tomato sauce, roasted vegetables, and goat cheese
Bean-based dishes, such as chili or vegetarian burritos
Vietnamese Braised Pork Ribs
By David Tanis
About. The 2021 Brown Family Estate Zinfandel is a true representation of the family's commitment to farming and winemaking. This small production California Zinfandel is beautifully structured, elegant, and complex, with hallmark characteristics of dried hibiscus flowers and rose petals, Asian spice, violets, cedar, vanilla-allspice-ginger spice box, and subtle cedar. The medium body, soft, smooth, and supple with lush, creamy mouthfeel makes it a wine to ponder.
What makes this wine even more special is its origin from the first and only Black-owned estate winery in California's Napa Valley. The Brown family's story is one of perseverance, hard work, and passion for winemaking. Their 50 acres of vineyards are planted amidst 450 acres of roughneck wilderness that they strive to tend rather than tame, preserving the ecosystem that surrounds them.
The Brown Estate Zinfandel is the ultimate representative of what the property and its unique microclimate have to offer. Each vineyard's qualities complement and enhance the others' virtues, resulting in a singular, well-adjusted protagonist. This blending process is a testament to integration, fluidity, and perpetual motion, which is Brown Estate itself.
The 2021 vintage is a perfect example of the family's dedication to winemaking, celebrating their 15th crush and 30th year in the Napa Valley. With only 13.5% ABV, this wine is a wonderful raspberry fruit with a silky mouthfeel and wonderful balance. It has the upfront fruit that is a hallmark of Zinfandel, but it also has the polish, elegance, and complexity that make it a standout wine.
This special Estate Zinfandel is a wine that represents not just the family's commitment to winemaking but also their history and legacy. It is a wine that tells a story of perseverance, passion, and hard work, resulting in a beautifully structured, elegant, and complex wine that is a true representation of its origin. This wine is not just a wine, but it's an experience that you'll cherish forever.
