Scotto Cellars - Brownstone Winery

The Brownstone wines are made by Scotto Cellars and they take their name from the brownstone apartment into which the great grandfather moved his family in 1903 on emigrating from Italy. This price point is just about the most challenging one to hit in California. At this sort of price it is easy to find candied, overly ripe wine, with an excessive oak influence.

However, the two qualities that we were looking for were value for money and restraint and that is what Brownstone offers. Still Californian in character so there is plenty of fruit but the oak influence is in the background. 

The Chardonnay has a pleasing restraint with only a gentle oak influence and the wine is dominated by ripe, tropical fruit flavours and balanced acidity. 

The Zinfandel has the richness which you would expect from the varietal but early picking keeps the alcohol down and prevents any jamminess.

The Cabernet Sauvignon is of a ripe style with blackcurrant fruit wrapped in gentle harmonious tannins.

The Gracebridge Pinot Noir comes from the same source and over delivers in every way, becoming arguably our best selling wine in the whole list as a result.