We returned to Browne for their Feb 2023 Release. Browne Family Vineyards has a long history of winemaking. They have a large portfolio that now includes spirits as well. Their wine is sourced from their Estate Vineyard in Walla Walla, established in 2009. They additionally source from Horse Heaven Hills, (The Benches, Alder Ridge Vineyards), Yakima Valley (Skyfall, Canyon Ridge Vineyards), Red Mountain (Taylor Mag, Klipsun Vineyards), Walla Walla Valley (Summit View Vineyards). Since they opened a beautiful tasting room in Bellevue, we have visited a couple of times. Their portfolio is pretty massive, and it can take a few tastings to get through them all!
2020 Premier Collection Cabernet Franc Columbia Valley. Nose of chocolate, baking spices, dark fruit and slightly earthy. Smooth on the palate opening up with mild vanilla notes and lengthy finish with grippy tannins and oak. A dark, somewhat savory cab franc, interesting! $50. Score 91. 2020 Proprietor's Red Blend 38% cab sauv 35% merlot 18% petit verdot 9% cab franc. Columbia Valley. Nice nose of bright fruit, vanilla, some floral notes, rose. Medium body of cherries, dusted cocoa. Slightly chalky tannins with some salinity on the finish. $80. Score 91. 2022 Aromatic Willow White 37% Grenache blanc 28% Roussanne, 15% Viognier, 13% Marsanne, 7% Picpoul. Columbia Valley. Tropical fruit and peach and pear aromas. Light crisp body with bright acid, lemon, some grassy notes, lingering notes of pear. Refreshing and dry. Score 90. 2020 Vineyard Estate Syrah Browne Estate Vineyard, Walla Walla. Vanilla and dark fruit on the nose, hint of leather and licorice. Blueberries and blackberries on the palate, notes of chocolate, medium to bold body with strong grippy tannins and mild salinity. $60. Score 93. 2020 Liberation of Paris Black pepper and green pepper aromas in dark fruit and coffee. Bold fruit, cassis, blackberries and then finishing with the same peppery notes, bold grippy tannins. $80. Score 90.
I've enjoyed their Petit Verdots in the past, and still recommend them, particularly the older vintages, but at this tasting the 2020 Estate Vineyard Syrah was my top pick.
