2014 Brown Estate, Zinfandel, Napa Valley.
Located in the remote eastern hills of Napa Valley in the Chiles Valley, Brown Estate is one of the best Zinfandel producers in the state and this 2014 is a gorgeous wine that should win over a whole new legion of fans, it might be my favorite since the 1997! David Brown and his family have now 20 years under their belts making top Zinfandel and a tiny amount of Cabernet Sauvignon, and Brown deserves serious celebration and credit for the triumph of passion, hard work and love of place, Brown’s success is a reflection of all that is great in California and should be cherished, they are great people, making great wines. The 2014 Zinfandel, Brown Estate, starts with beautiful purity of fruit, spice and floral notes with loads of dense raspberry, plum and juicy currant fruit, sweet/ripe smooth tannin and bright briar, Asian spice and anise with a mineral streak and a hint of cedary vanilla laced oak. This richly flavored Zin has impressive mouth feel, lavishness, but is refined, not heavy or flabby, it’s lively and well crafted with focus, drive and balance allowing poised detail and distinct character the shine through, this is wonderful Zin. This Brown 2014 reminds me of a fine Chateauneuf du Pape in style and pleasure, though true California Zinfandel in nature. Brown joins Turley, Bedrock, Ridge and Biale at the height of California Zinfandel and this 2014 looks to go down as legendary, I think most people will absolutely love this vintage and drink it up now or young, but I think it has a voice that lasts and it, like classic Ridge, should age beautifully, getting more interesting and complex over the next decade. Bravo to Brown for 20 years plus of great Zin and to the future, drink this 2014 Estate Zinfandel from 2017 to 2028.
($40 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive
