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
Vintage: 2013
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
Founded: 1994
Founded by winemaker Duane Dappen in 1994, D Cubed Cellars produces Zinfandels from the Napa Valley that demonstrate the terroir with elegance and intensity.
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, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
@erisire@losthighwayz I was from the start of Brown Estate in 1996. In 2002 the winery was built and I worked closely with Dave Brown. He learned a lot and eventually he took over as winemaker.
Pressure is on, I’m so bad at this, but I appreciate the opportunity…so here we go…
Received on Wednesday, I have a passing familiarity with both the producer and vineyard (Brown Vineyard is owned by Brown Estate Wines) but it’s been awhile.
Matter of fact looking around a bit after the fact I didn’t think the producer was still in business. Can’t find any release post 2014, no website, not much of any info??
Popped on Thursday, natural cork closure best I can tell. Upon bottle inspection there wasn’t a hint of sediment and so it was cork out, no decant. 60 degrees F. Poured a small glass. Color clear medium garnet all the way to the rim. Nose faint, earthy and spice. Viscosity for you leg lovers, thin slow and easy. Taste, subtle, balanced good acid, easy finish but not giving much up initially.
As hoped and expected this picks up interest and comes around with a little time in the glass. This is an elegant zin by the way, think pinot noir in character and think secondary in development. Mouthfeel is rounding out, flavor is sweet cherry and raspberry. Not showing any alcohol or overt oak. Not overly complex. Paired well with a 50/50 lamb/beef burger.
Saved about 1/3 of the bottle for day two. I put cork in the bottle and put in the fridge. Not much difference, no degradation maybe a slight improvement. Paired with some smoked/pulled pork stuffed peppers and went really well together.
Summary, my lovely bride and I really liked this wine, a nice drink. Not sure if it will improve but it’s in a good spot. But, repeating myself, keep in mind this is an elegant subtle zinfandel. As always, fwiw!
@jrbw3 Every state has its own requirements for importing alcohol from other states, and each shipper (winery, in this case) must go through the process individually.
I suspect that Michigan has a more difficult or more expensive approval process, and that many of the wineries featured here either don’t have a problem selling out without Michigan, or, find the requirements too burdensome for the expected return.
Unless by MI you meant Missing Information, or Middle Initial, or Media Immersion, or Middle Infielder, or Medical Instrumentation? In any of those cases, you’re on your own.
@SelfGovern hahaha. Well done. Sorry, I didn’t ask the question well. In the last few years, Michigan, home of missing information, has been pretty consistently represented. It just seems that in the last couple of months that has changed. I know at one time, in the w.w days, it was frequently left out, but that changed, with law changes here (I think). In any case, probably just happenstance. Just frustrating to miss good offers. Thanks for the reply. Much appreciated.
@jrbw3 for us wineries, about a year and some change ago, they added another layer of required reporting and paperwork, as well as requiring any fulfillment houses to also have a permit in addition to the winery having a permit. To coincide with this extra work, the MI AG decided to go after some wineries, both large and small, and smack them with some fines for shipping illegally in to MI. It’s not so much that the extra work is too much extra work or the permits are too expensive, I think a lot of us are just sick of MI making life hard for us and for restricting the commerce and thus wine choices that the good people in MI have. Just my two cents.
@jrbw3@losthighwayz@tastebud winemaking is the only job I have has as a grown-up. I studied at UC Davis then started working in the Napa Valley in the 80’s. It’s been fun.
@tastebud totally makes sense. I’d just like to be clear that I wholeheartedly do NOT support the state of Middle Infielders in this regard. I apologize on the foolish people’s behalf.
Wifey and I had the 2010 vintage of this wine a couple months ago. While I did not write down any notes, I do remember that we both thoroughly enjoyed it. No worries about being over the hill, that 2010 was drinking beautifully so the 2013 should have plenty of life left in it! I was disappointed that it was our only bottle (purchased for $24 on some other website). If any of the NE OH gang is interested enough to pull the trigger, please count me in for 3 bottles.
EDIT to note that as kaolis mentioned it does appear that D-Cubed is out of business. Their old website domain is available for sale.
Hello, this is Duane D. Dappen.
Thank you all for being interested in this sale.
Brown Vineyards is a wonderful site in Chiles Valley just east of the main Napa Valley. It produces wines with bright fruit and soft tannins.
I have always sought to make Zinfandels that are balanced so that they can be enjoyed with food.
@Dcubed
Thanks for your participation and the generous offer on some delicious juice. I was happily surprised to see this wine on sale today. Despite some ongoing issues with UPS wine deliveries, I am taking the plunge and buying a case to split between myself and my NE OH peeps!
@losthighwayz The Howell Mountain has more tannins than the Brown. Brown Vineyards is always richer and more red fruit. Think T-bone with Howell Mountain and Filet with Brown Vineyards.
I was typing this and my power went off then back on, I had to wait for the Wifi to reboot
First, I’d like to apologize for the lateness of this review. I had some computer problems this morning.
The lovely Alice has blessed me with a rat bottle of D Cubed 2013 Zinfandel. I’ve not had a D Cubed wine before, so I was pretty excited to crack the bottle open.
First visual impression: The wine is a dark, nearly opaque, garnet color. A gentle swirl in the glass revealed fat, slow legs.
Nose: The D Cubed Zinfandel features an immediately arresting nose. Right away you get dark fruit, leather, and tobacco. Even a hint of juniper. It’s a lovely, complex nose that makes me excited to taste the wine.
Flavor: red and black fruit (dark cherries, blackberries, and plums) with a kick of black pepper, and a smokey leather finish with hints of warming spices like cinnamon and clove. No alcohol burn at all - it’s soft and smooth, but dry. It drinks very easy.
I poured a second glass the next day and the wine held up beautifully. The nose may have diminished ever so slightly, but the flavor remained complex and consistent. I tried it with beef and a cheese plate, and it complimented both really well. For my money, this is an excellent zinfandel.
I had the last glass with some Danish Blue cheese tonight and it was spectacular. Can’t say no to this Zinfandel.
/giphy narcissistic-bountiful-division
Don’t think anyone my way, I’m Beaufort, SC area but I’ll throw it out there. Prefer 3 or 4, would take 6. Also in the Oshkosh, WI area but not for a bit. Just left there and it’s cold
Anyone in Southern New Hampshire / Merrimack Valley area interested in splitting a case? Don’t know why there’s rarely the option for 6 lately, choosing between 3 or 12 isn’t ideal, especially with a $5 difference per bottle.
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, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Feb 14 - Friday, Feb 18
2013 D Cubed Cellars Zinfandel
3 bottles for $69.99 $23.33/bottle + $2.67/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $219.99 $18.33/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
/giphy winding-motorized-news
I’m always in for a Brown Zin.
@erisire Yes wines from Brown Vineyard are tasty and supple
@Dcubed @erisire I read somewhere that you are the winemaker for Brown. This true?
@erisire @losthighwayz I was from the start of Brown Estate in 1996. In 2002 the winery was built and I worked closely with Dave Brown. He learned a lot and eventually he took over as winemaker.
Pressure is on, I’m so bad at this, but I appreciate the opportunity…so here we go…
Received on Wednesday, I have a passing familiarity with both the producer and vineyard (Brown Vineyard is owned by Brown Estate Wines) but it’s been awhile.
Matter of fact looking around a bit after the fact I didn’t think the producer was still in business. Can’t find any release post 2014, no website, not much of any info??
Popped on Thursday, natural cork closure best I can tell. Upon bottle inspection there wasn’t a hint of sediment and so it was cork out, no decant. 60 degrees F. Poured a small glass. Color clear medium garnet all the way to the rim. Nose faint, earthy and spice. Viscosity for you leg lovers, thin slow and easy. Taste, subtle, balanced good acid, easy finish but not giving much up initially.
As hoped and expected this picks up interest and comes around with a little time in the glass. This is an elegant zin by the way, think pinot noir in character and think secondary in development. Mouthfeel is rounding out, flavor is sweet cherry and raspberry. Not showing any alcohol or overt oak. Not overly complex. Paired well with a 50/50 lamb/beef burger.
Saved about 1/3 of the bottle for day two. I put cork in the bottle and put in the fridge. Not much difference, no degradation maybe a slight improvement. Paired with some smoked/pulled pork stuffed peppers and went really well together.
Summary, my lovely bride and I really liked this wine, a nice drink. Not sure if it will improve but it’s in a good spot. But, repeating myself, keep in mind this is an elegant subtle zinfandel. As always, fwiw!
@kaolis I am glad you enjoyed the wine.
@kaolis I dunno…you’re better this than the average!
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations).
2013 D Cubed Zinfandel - $60 = 21.42%
Is there a specific reason MI so often off the list these days or just a string of bad luck? Advance apologies if this has already been discussed.
@jrbw3 Every state has its own requirements for importing alcohol from other states, and each shipper (winery, in this case) must go through the process individually.
I suspect that Michigan has a more difficult or more expensive approval process, and that many of the wineries featured here either don’t have a problem selling out without Michigan, or, find the requirements too burdensome for the expected return.
Unless by MI you meant Missing Information, or Middle Initial, or Media Immersion, or Middle Infielder, or Medical Instrumentation? In any of those cases, you’re on your own.
@SelfGovern hahaha. Well done. Sorry, I didn’t ask the question well. In the last few years, Michigan, home of missing information, has been pretty consistently represented. It just seems that in the last couple of months that has changed. I know at one time, in the w.w days, it was frequently left out, but that changed, with law changes here (I think). In any case, probably just happenstance. Just frustrating to miss good offers. Thanks for the reply. Much appreciated.
@jrbw3 for us wineries, about a year and some change ago, they added another layer of required reporting and paperwork, as well as requiring any fulfillment houses to also have a permit in addition to the winery having a permit. To coincide with this extra work, the MI AG decided to go after some wineries, both large and small, and smack them with some fines for shipping illegally in to MI. It’s not so much that the extra work is too much extra work or the permits are too expensive, I think a lot of us are just sick of MI making life hard for us and for restricting the commerce and thus wine choices that the good people in MI have. Just my two cents.
@jrbw3 @tastebud
As a small producer it is difficult to do the reporting and pay the fees for for each and every state.
@Dcubed @jrbw3 @tastebud @rjquillin vintner participation on a Saturday!
@Dcubed
badge to help others know your association.
Great to see a vintner joining in. Working on getting you your
Can you tell us a bit about yourself as an introduction? We can’t promise not to ask a few questions however
@Dcubed @jrbw3 @tastebud Duane?
@jrbw3 @losthighwayz @tastebud I put up a post below.
@rjquillin Feel free to ask away
@jrbw3 @losthighwayz @tastebud winemaking is the only job I have has as a grown-up. I studied at UC Davis then started working in the Napa Valley in the 80’s. It’s been fun.
@tastebud totally makes sense. I’d just like to be clear that I wholeheartedly do NOT support the state of Middle Infielders in this regard. I apologize on the foolish people’s behalf.
Wifey and I had the 2010 vintage of this wine a couple months ago. While I did not write down any notes, I do remember that we both thoroughly enjoyed it. No worries about being over the hill, that 2010 was drinking beautifully so the 2013 should have plenty of life left in it! I was disappointed that it was our only bottle (purchased for $24 on some other website). If any of the NE OH gang is interested enough to pull the trigger, please count me in for 3 bottles.
EDIT to note that as kaolis mentioned it does appear that D-Cubed is out of business. Their old website domain is available for sale.
@chipgreen I love the bowl in the photo.
@chipgreen It’s in UC Davis Colors. Go Aggies!
@chipgreen I believe you have the “regular” bottling and not the Brown Vineyard.
@kaolis
Thanks, I didn’t realize there were multiple versions.
Anyone near Madison WI interested in splitting a case?
Hello, this is Duane D. Dappen.
Thank you all for being interested in this sale.
Brown Vineyards is a wonderful site in Chiles Valley just east of the main Napa Valley. It produces wines with bright fruit and soft tannins.
I have always sought to make Zinfandels that are balanced so that they can be enjoyed with food.
@Dcubed
Thanks for your participation and the generous offer on some delicious juice. I was happily surprised to see this wine on sale today. Despite some ongoing issues with UPS wine deliveries, I am taking the plunge and buying a case to split between myself and my NE OH peeps!
/giphy bowed-naughty-room
@chipgreen Enjoy the wine in OH!
@Dcubed
We will, thanks again!
@Dcubed this wine was so delicious would love to get more but can’t find
I would love
to answer your questions!
@Dcubed thanks for jumping on board. How does this compare to your 13 Howell Mountain?
@losthighwayz The Howell Mountain has more tannins than the Brown. Brown Vineyards is always richer and more red fruit. Think T-bone with Howell Mountain and Filet with Brown Vineyards.
I was typing this and my power went off then back on, I had to wait for the Wifi to reboot
I am logging off for now. The yard work is calling my name. I think I will log on again when I am watching the 49er game.
@Dcubed I mentioned hard to find any current info, just wondering if you are still making wine under this label?
@kaolis I have not produced wine recently for D-cubed
/giphy unjust-bountiful-oregano
No brainer for this Zinatic! In for a case.
@losthighwayz Zinfandel goes with everything
First, I’d like to apologize for the lateness of this review. I had some computer problems this morning.
The lovely Alice has blessed me with a rat bottle of D Cubed 2013 Zinfandel. I’ve not had a D Cubed wine before, so I was pretty excited to crack the bottle open.
First visual impression: The wine is a dark, nearly opaque, garnet color. A gentle swirl in the glass revealed fat, slow legs.
Nose: The D Cubed Zinfandel features an immediately arresting nose. Right away you get dark fruit, leather, and tobacco. Even a hint of juniper. It’s a lovely, complex nose that makes me excited to taste the wine.
Flavor: red and black fruit (dark cherries, blackberries, and plums) with a kick of black pepper, and a smokey leather finish with hints of warming spices like cinnamon and clove. No alcohol burn at all - it’s soft and smooth, but dry. It drinks very easy.
I poured a second glass the next day and the wine held up beautifully. The nose may have diminished ever so slightly, but the flavor remained complex and consistent. I tried it with beef and a cheese plate, and it complimented both really well. For my money, this is an excellent zinfandel.
@gemeinschaft79 Cheers! I am glad you enjoyed the wine
I had the last glass with some Danish Blue cheese tonight and it was spectacular. Can’t say no to this Zinfandel.
/giphy narcissistic-bountiful-division
3 great rat reports…Y’all are making it hard to resist this offer!!
@TimW Resistance is futile.
Don’t think anyone my way, I’m Beaufort, SC area but I’ll throw it out there. Prefer 3 or 4, would take 6. Also in the Oshkosh, WI area but not for a bit. Just left there and it’s cold
If anyone in Baltimore area is biting, I would love a few bottles. Want more, but just not in the budget for the moment.
@dak52 I’d take a few also. If we can get one more person, I’d buy a case.
Anyone in Southern New Hampshire / Merrimack Valley area interested in splitting a case? Don’t know why there’s rarely the option for 6 lately, choosing between 3 or 12 isn’t ideal, especially with a $5 difference per bottle.
I’m with you Mattig88
Split a bottle last night with a friend-elegant, lovely, delicious. Sick I only got 3-please offer again.
@dianefreda Same here - thought it was very good but only got a 3 pack - would get a case if it ever appears again
@ctmariner @dianefreda @winedavid49 @wccwinegirl
You two need to tag WD and Alice as well on stuff like this…
@ctmariner @dianefreda @rjquillin @WCCWineGirl
totally with you on that. tasty! i’ll see what i can do.