2013 D Cubed Zinfandel, Brown Vineyard, Chiles Valley, Napa Valley
Tasting Notes
Brown Vineyard produces some extraordinary wines. These wines have richness not common in Zinfandels without being overly alcoholic or sweet. There is a balance in the acidity from the warm days and extremely cool nights.
The 2013 Brown Vineyard Zinfandel has bright aromas of cherries, plums, and cinnamon, and hints of oak. This wine is rich and smooth with supple tannins and excellent acid balance. The flavors are cherries and raspberries with hints of vanilla and cinnamon spices. The wine finishes with cherries and a little oak.
Specs
Varietal: 100% Zinfandel
Appellation: 100% Chiles Valley
Vineyard: The Brown Estate Sugarloaf Block
Fining: No Fining
Alcohol: 14.8%
Aging potential: 8-11 years
Cases produced: 125 cases
Release date: June 2018
Winemaker: Duane Dappen
What’s Included
3-bottles:
3x 2013 D Cubed Zinfandel, Brown Vineyard, Chiles Valley, Napa Valley
Case:
12x 2013 D Cubed Zinfandel, Brown Vineyard, Chiles Valley, Napa Valley
Price Comparison
Not for sale online, $600/case MSRP
About The Winery
Winery: D Cubed Cellars
Owner: Duane Dappen
Founded: 1994
Location: Napa Valley, California
Founded by winemaker Duane Dappen in 1994, D Cubed Cellars produces Zinfandels from the Napa Valley that demonstrates the terroir with elegance and intensity. He creates balanced wines with good acidity. He considers the sweet spot for alcohol on Zinfandel to be somewhere between 14.5 and 15.5%.
D Cubed subscribes to the old adage where “a large part of winemaking is done in the vineyards” and as a result takes a very hands-on approach to maintaining specific control of the vineyards.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, LA, ME, MD, MA, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
@InFrom I’m in LIC, I’d split a case, but I’m in CA until March 22. I could have it shipped to storage if you are sure (I do have free shipping), or meet up when I get back if you’d like to order?
@mcc36 I was thinking of something less than six bottles. I would be down for three or four, for sure. I wonder if any other locals might jump in @irenegade@longtones@invinveritas ?
@InVinoVeritas@mcc36 Looks like things will work out, among the three of us. As to who should order – my preference would be for one of us in Queens to order, if that’s ok. I’m located in Jackson Heights.
The stated delivery window starts on 4/4, so @mcc36 either of us could take delivery. Do you have a preference? We all have “free” shipping.
@invinoveritas, I’m still making lots of trips to Bayside, it would be no trouble for me to drop your share the same place I did last time, unless you had other thoughts.
@InFrom@InVinoVeritas Sorry, my first split.I’m on vacation with family in CA until 3/22. I’ll take anywhere from 3 to 6 bottles. I have storage at 39th St off Queens Blvd, was in MA, back, looking for rental in Queens. I’m from Queens, I have a car, tell me what your preference is.
I popped one of these from a previous sale last weekend. I didn’t keep notes, but it was pretty tasty. The fruit has mellowed out and it had a good structure.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2013 D Cubed Aged Zinfandel - $70 = 24.99%
@ophirf15@Tassadar I just bought a case ($226 all in w/ free shipping). I am willing to go 4/4/4 if that works and we can arrange. I am in SF but can meet nearby to exchange.
@mattig88@netcommsyn I’d be interested in sharing some bottles as well if you have any to share. I’m in southern NH maybe thirty minutes from the MA border and work off 3A in Hudson.
@mattig88 sorry I had a hectic day with my 17mo and only saw your emails later on. Will you be up near Hudson NH again on either Tuesday or Wednesday of this week?
@wordek possibly on Tuesday. I have an appointment in Burlington in the morning and can go through Hudson on my way back. I would expect I’d be in Hudson by 9:30 or 10 latest. If you want to leave your number, I can text you.
@ludwigmace Million dollar question…I’ve only had the one rat bottle from the last offer but my humble you could stash some. Primary fruit gone but still plenty of it, color good, day two after just tossing in the fridge was still solid if not better. Personally for me it’s in a good spot now as zin goes. So as “they” say: Drink or hold.
@kaolis@ludwigmace the specs above says 8-11 years aging potential! I’m assuming that means 8-11 more years? It says it was just released in 2018, so even 8 years from 2018 is a while still.
I like Duane’s Zinfandels. He makes the old world style of wine letting the wine tell its story of place, variety and vintage. Winemakers always need to drink other winemaker’s wines so we don’t get use to our own mistakes. Always good to have Duane’s wine in my cellar. I’m in.
I got off Facebook at a very good time for me (and an opportune time given world events to not get into online arguments that would follow me for the rest of my life due to my chronic inability to not call out what I see as bullshit).
While I miss keeping up with everybody and finding out what’s going on with their lives, Facebook was not good for me overall (in basically just providing me unnecessary reasons to argue with people) and proved to be a huge timesuck.
@PetiteSirah Yup, I get that on both counts! Life with 2 is exhausting enough…three just sounds like pure exhaustion all the time. Except for when they occasionally do something helpful and thoughtful. Then it’s awesome.
My older one has many draconian opinions…the younger one is too young to express them yet but you can see they’re there.
@dkralston I appreciate all the help! I was thinking about going more racy and or sexy, but thought aww, no, these are my wine drinking peeps, not my frat brothers! hahahh
I know! Can you imagine having “ass” in your confirmation code? lol
2013 D Cubed Zinfandel, Brown Vineyard, Chiles Valley, Napa Valley
Tasting Notes
Specs
What’s Included
3-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
Not for sale online, $600/case MSRP
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, LA, ME, MD, MA, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Apr 4 - Friday, Apr 8
2013 D Cubed Aged Zinfandel
3 bottles for $69.99 $23.33/bottle + $2.67/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $209.99 $17.50/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
Lots of positivity last time around. Very tempted.
https://casemates.com/forum/topics/d-cubed-cellars-zinfandel
Any NYC-area peeps thinking about trying this?
@InFrom I’m in LIC, I’d split a case, but I’m in CA until March 22. I could have it shipped to storage if you are sure (I do have free shipping), or meet up when I get back if you’d like to order?
@mcc36 I was thinking of something less than six bottles. I would be down for three or four, for sure. I wonder if any other locals might jump in @irenegade @longtones @invinveritas ?
Or even @invinoveritas?
@InFrom Sure I can take some bottles
@InVinoVeritas @mcc36 Looks like things will work out, among the three of us. As to who should order – my preference would be for one of us in Queens to order, if that’s ok. I’m located in Jackson Heights.
The stated delivery window starts on 4/4, so @mcc36 either of us could take delivery. Do you have a preference? We all have “free” shipping.
@invinoveritas, I’m still making lots of trips to Bayside, it would be no trouble for me to drop your share the same place I did last time, unless you had other thoughts.
@InFrom @mcc36 sounds great to me!
@InVinoVeritas @mcc36 If we don’t hear from @mcc36 by 5, I’ll go ahead and order. Don’t want to get skunked!
@InVinoVeritas @mcc36
/giphy present-minimum-town
@InFrom @InVinoVeritas Sorry, my first split.I’m on vacation with family in CA until 3/22. I’ll take anywhere from 3 to 6 bottles. I have storage at 39th St off Queens Blvd, was in MA, back, looking for rental in Queens. I’m from Queens, I have a car, tell me what your preference is.
I popped one of these from a previous sale last weekend. I didn’t keep notes, but it was pretty tasty. The fruit has mellowed out and it had a good structure.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2013 D Cubed Aged Zinfandel - $70 = 24.99%
Any South Florida peeps want to split a case?
@GatorFL where in South Florida?
@maryow West Palm but I am willing to drive a bit for a meetup.
@GatorFL hi sorry just saw this. I am going to pass. I will be out of town around delivery and it will be hard to meet up. Maybe next time.
This stuff is wonderful-thanks for having it again
This stuff is wonderful-thanks for having it again
@dianefreda to quote Frazier, “i’m listening” !
Yumboliscious. Nice to see this one again!
Anyone in the Bay Area (I am in SF proper) interested in a split? I am overflowing with Zin but this looks like good stuff.
@davidj94112 let’s do it
@davidj94112 @ophirf15 Yes, if you have some more, I can do 3 way. I lived in 94112 for a long time.
@ophirf15 @Tassadar I just bought a case ($226 all in w/ free shipping). I am willing to go 4/4/4 if that works and we can arrange. I am in SF but can meet nearby to exchange.
@davidj94112 @Tassadar sounds good to me!
Anyone interested in splitting a case in Southern NH / Merrimack Valley area?
@mattig88 do you have a MA address? It won’t ship to NH…
I am in the Salem and Nashua Area. Would be interested in 3 o4 4 bottles. Jon 6036824739
@netcommsyn Sounds good. I’ll ping you when they come in. I have some of the last Zinfandel (Handley) also, if you’re interested.
@mattig88 @netcommsyn I’d be interested in sharing some bottles as well if you have any to share. I’m in southern NH maybe thirty minutes from the MA border and work off 3A in Hudson.
@wordek I’ll let you know when they arrive as well
@netcommsyn @wordek The juice has arrived! Picking up in Tewksbury then heading to Hudson for a while and Derry later.
@mattig88 @wordek I will be leaving Salem NH in 15 Min. Pls call; 6036824739
@mattig88 sorry I had a hectic day with my 17mo and only saw your emails later on. Will you be up near Hudson NH again on either Tuesday or Wednesday of this week?
@wordek possibly on Tuesday. I have an appointment in Burlington in the morning and can go through Hudson on my way back. I would expect I’d be in Hudson by 9:30 or 10 latest. If you want to leave your number, I can text you.
We’re low on Zinfandel so this offer came just in time!
While we plan on drinking this now, can I throw one in the cellar to keep for a bit or should we power through this over the next year?
@ludwigmace Million dollar question…I’ve only had the one rat bottle from the last offer but my humble you could stash some. Primary fruit gone but still plenty of it, color good, day two after just tossing in the fridge was still solid if not better. Personally for me it’s in a good spot now as zin goes. So as “they” say: Drink or hold.
@kaolis @ludwigmace the specs above says 8-11 years aging potential! I’m assuming that means 8-11 more years? It says it was just released in 2018, so even 8 years from 2018 is a while still.
@kaolis @TimW ahh thanks I missed that! I wasn’t looking in the specs, just in the write up. Really looking forward to getting this!
I bought the three pack last time-this time i got a case!
@dianefreda Same here!
Anyone Midlands SC/Columbia/Charlotte interested in sharing a case?
I like Duane’s Zinfandels. He makes the old world style of wine letting the wine tell its story of place, variety and vintage. Winemakers always need to drink other winemaker’s wines so we don’t get use to our own mistakes. Always good to have Duane’s wine in my cellar. I’m in.
dusts off this account
HI EVERYBODY!
Well, I’ve had a number of their wines and my mom loves this stuff and is always asking me to get it. It’s a screaming deal.
Did they stop producing? I haven’t seen anything from them after 2013 (maybe 2014?) despite checking winesearcher for it periodically.
@PetiteSirah I think in the discussion last time around he said that he’s no longer producing wine under this label.
Also, hi, it’s been a while!
@InFrom Hi! Still drinking through the cellar (and actually getting texts from @themostrighteous about PS today, LOL)
Do you know what label he’s producing under instead? My mom will definitely want to know!
@PetiteSirah Sorry I can’t help with that. He was here chatting last time around.
@PetiteSirah Wow…welcome back! You vanished off the book of faces, too! How goes?
@klezman life with 3 kids is exhausting!
I got off Facebook at a very good time for me (and an opportune time given world events to not get into online arguments that would follow me for the rest of my life due to my chronic inability to not call out what I see as bullshit).
While I miss keeping up with everybody and finding out what’s going on with their lives, Facebook was not good for me overall (in basically just providing me unnecessary reasons to argue with people) and proved to be a huge timesuck.
@klezman appropriately enough, my order is “Draconian-scary-opinion”
@klezman @PetiteSirah LOL !
@PetiteSirah Yup, I get that on both counts! Life with 2 is exhausting enough…three just sounds like pure exhaustion all the time. Except for when they occasionally do something helpful and thoughtful. Then it’s awesome.
My older one has many draconian opinions…the younger one is too young to express them yet but you can see they’re there.
OWLS! TOWELS! JOWLS! AWESOME!
3 pack last time - a case this time
/giphy modest-instrumental-cereal
In for a case this time around…I’m a bit light on Zinfandel.
/giphy primo-rosy-interest
Thanks Ohio!
/giphy tolerant-acoustic-sail
@KNmeh7 from Tommy
A case of zin for a possible split with another northerner @jrbw3
WELP, I bought 2 cases for my mom.
@winedavid39, does that come with a nice decanter?
@PetiteSirah LOL!
“In for a case this time around…I’m a bit light on Zinfandel.”----Ditto!
intangible-enlightened-ass
@dkralston so had to see what else would come up with such a great order #!
/giphy intangible-enlightened-ass
@dkralston well there u go! Let’s see what else!
/giphy intangible-enlightened-ass
@dkralston ha!
/giphy intangible-enlightened-ass
@dkralston I appreciate all the help! I was thinking about going more racy and or sexy, but thought aww, no, these are my wine drinking peeps, not my frat brothers! hahahh
I know! Can you imagine having “ass” in your confirmation code? lol
/giphy bent-roasted-locust
Since my name is also Duane I had to pull the trigger. I have enough room for a 3-pack!