If you've followed the adventures of Brown Estate through the years, you know the story of our mother Marcela having inspired (directed) us to produce Chardonnay from the unlikely but determined vineyard that occupies the westernmost corner of our property.

The soil there is dense clay, and the vines sparse. But those that thrive in this challenging block produce a small lot of beautiful, lean, mineral-rich Chardonnay that is a hidden gem in the Brown Estate family of wines. It is our first wine to have graced the list at The French Laundry (2002 vintage), and our first to have been served at the White House (2006 vintage).*



What may surprise is that it isn't our far-flung Chardonnay vineyard that is nearest to Mom's (or Dad's) heart. That honor goes to the vineyard pictured above, which we refer to affectionately as "the Big Field." It's the first vineyard our parents planted, but more importantly, its location beside their house allows them to look upon it from windows in their kitchen, living room, dining room, office, and bedroom – as well as from their front and back gardens.

Last summer, we replanted the Big Field's 8.5 acres – originally all Zinfandel – to include a little Tempranillo and a little Petite Sirah.

This summer, as the second incarnation of the Big Field enters its sophomore year, we are celebrating two major milestones. And as we take our family meals between Mom and Dad's kitchen, dining room, front garden, and the gazebo out back, we give thanks for all that has sprung forth from the original Brown Estate vineyard – not least the gift of you, our friends and customers, and your continued enjoyment of the fruits of our collective labor of love. Salud!
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*Details of this story will follow when our 2009 chardonnay is released in Spring 2011.