By Christine Salins.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Brown Brothers’ Patricia range – a range that represents the very best viticulture and winemaking for one of Australia’s oldest family-owned wine brands.
Brown Brothers has been making wine at its home in Milawa, Victoria, since it planted its first vines in 1889. It’s a remarkable legacy continued to this day by John Francis Brown’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The company launched its flagship range in 2003, naming it after the family matriarch, Patricia, who was by all accounts a remarkable woman. Despite being slight in stature, she had tenacious spirit. Affectionately known as Nanna, the ‘unofficial CEO’ was the driving force in shaping Brown Brothersʼ growth and culture of innovation.
“She was the tea lady, the mail lady (often accidentally reading mail not addressed to her!) and she welcomed everyone who visited the winery with open arms,” says the group’s marketing manager, Emma Brown. “She was the people and culture manager before roles like this even existed,”
Made in what Brown Brothers calls its Kindergarten Winery – the place where all the company’s innovation and experimentation take place – the Patricia wines are premium products that reward careful cellaring.
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Patricia, Brown Brothers has released the 2010 Extended Lees Patricia Sparkling, a rare wine that has been kept on lees for over 12 years. It comes in an elegant gift box and is available online or at the cellar door for $160. For a truly special gift or occasion, this wonderful tribute to a remarkable woman makes the perfect gift.
Patricia Pinot Noir and Chardonnay Brut Extended Lees 2010, $160: This exquisite wine has had a remarkable 12 years on lees (consider it an investment of just over $13 a year). Made with premium grapes from the high-altitude Whitlands plateau in the King Valley, it comes beautifully packaged in a gorgeous gift box. Rich and complex with toast and marmalade on the nose and a lovely toasty, nutty palate, it has a fine persistent bead, a slight creaminess, and a deliciously long, crisp, dry finish. Splash out and try it with oysters.
Patricia Pinot Noir & Chardonnay Brut 2017, $54: This fine sparkling wine comes from the same Whitlands vineyard so it’s perhaps not surprising that this is a beauty too. With notes of brioche, lemon and lime, it has beautifully balanced natural acidity and a sophisticated, delicate creamy flavour.
Patricia Chardonnay 2021, $54: Pour me another glass of this beautiful wine without delay. Please. The fruit was handpicked from Brown Brothers’ own vineyards on Tasmania’s East Coast and in the Tamar Valley, before being fermented in French oak. With finely nuanced oak and acidity, it has lots of interesting layers – chief among them, citrus and mineral notes – with loads of finesse.
Patricia Shiraz 2018, $63: A big full-bodied red that really deserves to be cellared for a decade. If you don’t have the willpower to put it away, it has enough elegance to keep the troops happy. Matured in both French and American oak, the fruit comes from two Victorian vineyards (Bendigo and Henty) which produce a luscious richness and a slight peppery character.
Patricia Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, $63: Also from a number of Victorian vineyards, this full-bodied wine has rich blackberry flavours, hints of nutmeg and a finish that seems to go on forever. Just the shot with a hearty dish of red meat.
