2012 Brown Estate “Chaos Theory” Proprietary Red, Napa Valley.
As a huge fan of Brown Zin from their first release, I have a soft spot for this estate and the latest Chaos Theory is one of the best wines I’ve had from Dave Brown and family. The proprietary red blend, Chaos Theory is a mix of Zinfandel 60%, Cabernet Sauvignon 35% and Petite Sirah 5% aged in 25% new French and American Oak Barrels coming in at 14.5% alcohol, and while somewhat unique Brown joins the likes of Orin Swift, Bedrock, Banshee, L’Aventure, Epoch and a host of others making modern impressions of California field blends with great success. The 2012 version is distinct and richly flavored taking full advantage of the great vintage with the Cabernet especially showing gorgeous in this cuvee with blackberry, creme de cassis and sweet tannins. The whole wine is a celebration of vintage with a beautiful array of flavors and spiciness with a firm, but lavish texture. The Zin notes come screaming to life mid palate with raspberry, bramble and lavender while a small dollop of Petite adds color, chocolate notes and grip to this full bodied effort that finishes with panache and a hint of char, vanilla and cigar wrapper, totally engaging wine from start to finish.
($40 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive
avail at www.sfwtc.com