Brown Brothers Wines
Most wineries would shy away from the challenge of having their wines matched with Indian food. It is something not often done, and in the minds of some people, impossible. Recently The Wine Society challenged Brown Brothers with this feat at one of Australia’s premier Indian restaurants, Nilgiri’s. In response to our challenge Brown Brothers arrived with force, bringing with them their Patricia range of wines – the very best Brown Brothers has to offer. The PatriciaRange takes its name from Patricia Brown, the vineyard’s warm and determined matriarch.
Originally founded by John Francis Brown in 1885, it is the willingness of Brown Brothers to experiment and innovate combined with some of the country’s best cool climate vineyards that has brought them well earned fame and respect throughout the Australian Wine Industry.
Passing away in 1943, John Francis’ son, John Charles Brown, took charge of the operation. John met the love of his life in Patricia. Patricia’s love for her family and dedication to the winery made her an icon in the KingValley and the wine industry in general. Patricia and John passed away within a few months of each other in 2004, Patricia’s humility and warmth evident to the end. The Brown Brothers legacy continues under the care of Ross Brown. The responsibility of crafting the wines now belongs to a dedicated team of winemakers including The Wine Society Young Winemaker of the Year Award 2003 finalist, Trina Smith.
The first wine to be enjoyed was the Brown Brothers Patricia Pinot Noir / Chardonnay / Pinot Meunier Brut 1999,then a remarkable Cellar Door Release Riesling 2001, the Patricia Chardonnay 2002, Patricia Cabernet 2002, Patricia Shiraz 2002 and an exquisite Patricia Noble Riesling 2002.
Happily, the Patricia wines stood up to the Indian cuisine admirably. It is a task that is rarely attempted and given the results, I recommend you try it with the following guidelines: avoid anything too spicy, take notes, and enjoy the experiment!
Brown Brothers Patricia Pinot Noir Chardonnay Pinot Meunier Brut 1999 Grown at 800 metres above sea level and made in the traditional Champagne method, this wine is showing some wonderful complexity with mature yeasty flavours evident.
Cellar Door Release Riesling 2001
Reminiscent of a top notch Alsatian. Fragrant and rich in fruit, this wine shows citrus and a slightly developed toasty character with a long clean finish. This one shouldn’t have any trouble living another decade and will drink well at any stage before then.
Patricia Chardonnay 2002
A tight and elegant Chardonnay with a wonderful balance of fig, stone fruit and oak. Long and classy.
Patricia Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
Berry, blackcurrant and cassis are prominent characters in this complex and intensely ripe Cabernet.
Patricia Shiraz 2002
Intense, dense, round, supple and ripe fruit flavours balanced with integrated oak flavours. American oak was chosen as it complements the berry and spice flavours of these Shiraz grapes.
Patricia Noble Riesling 2002
An exquisite blend of honey, marmalade, citrus and spice, with all the sweetness and fruit one could hope for yet maintaining a clean finish.