Brown Zin

I've found a new favorite - Brown Estate Mickey's Block Zinfandel 2009. I tried it at a friend's house and loved it - smooth, chocolatey, spicy, dark-fruity. So enjoyable on its own. Then, I tried it at Ubuntu in Napa, a vegetarian restaurant that really knows what to do with veggies. They made a bean stew taste meaty without any fake meat or seitan or anything. I was surprised by the number of reds on their wine list and decided that the wine pairing must have been very well thought-out. I wanted the Zin anyway, not caring if it went with the meal. It was just as enjoyable as the first time, if not more so. I've come to the conclusion that Zinfandel can be a very versatile red, pairing well with meats, of course, but also with lighter meals (of veggies) and even on its own. Perhaps because some Zins have a touch of sweetness from those ripe California grapes. If it's a lower alcohol Zin (I'm talking 14% or lower), there's probably going to be some residual sugar. If it tastes like chocolate, I want it. Less calories! (Maybe?)

Brown Estate is a family-owned vineyard, believed to be the first and only black-owned estate in Napa. The waitress at Ubuntu said they tried all their different wines and loved them all. This winery is definitely on my list the next time I plan a trip.