Broman Cellars – 79
Sunday, May 22nd, 2005
Bob Broman has been making wine for some very respectable wineries the likes of which include St. Supery, Guenoc, and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars for over three decades. It is no wonder, then, that he would get the itch to put the Broman name on a bottle of his very own making, now known as Broman Cellars.
To further that dream, Bob Broman started making his own Cabernet in 1994, just over 150 cases… Now, almost a decade later, he and his wife, Deborah Russell Broman, have purchased a little over eleven acres on Deer Park Road, just on the edge of the Howell Mountain appellation. Here, along with Deborah’s daughter, Lisa Augustine, this family endeavor is literally starting from the ground up. Having purchased a home which doubles as their office, ground is being dug out for caves, Cabernet vines are being planted and, before we know it, the Broman Winery and Tasting room will be open and available for sales.
Not generally open to the public, I was very honored that the family invited me into their home to meet them and taste their wines. Lisa acts as their sales and family representative. The entire family (down to the dogs and cats) are affable and warm, happy to answer the silliest of questions but also excited at the prospects of folks like me who are intrigued with their product.
Because there is no formal tasting room, the Bromans aren’t exactly set up for visitors, but might consider an occasional tour, depending on their busy schedule. Until then, Tasting on Main in St. Helena is an excellent outlet to purchase and possibly taste one of Broman’s offerings. Regardless, try and find a bottle — this is a label to watch for now and in the future!
2002 Broman Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc – Fermented in small bins of stainless steel, this wine saw no oak but still surprisingly offers some rustic, creamy aromas. Pleased that there was not the traditional grassy bouquet, I was instead tantalized with gooseberry and a fresh apple very reminiscent of the most elegant of French ciders. The tangy entry was almost not there, but expanded into a clean citrus with a bright, easy finish with nary a hint of astringency. $16.00
1999 Broman Napa Valley Cabernet – 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 7% Cabernet Franc, with fruit sourced from Howell Mountain Vineyards from what was then Chateau Woltner, this wine predominates with dark cocoa and black cherry aromas. A hint of dustiness in the mid-palate subsides to produce roasted meat and barbecue qualities with its well-balanced tannins and supple finish. $54.00
2000 Broman Napa Valley Cabernet – 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet. Also from the same Chateau Woltner vineyards on Howell Mountain, this intensely complex wine provides rich, dark earthy tones of dark brambleberry and chocolate covered cherries. An overtly vibrant mouth entry backs off to produce soft, easy tannins and a tease of mint at the end. Smooth and easy to consume now but will continue to soften and intensify over the next eight or ten years. $44.00
2001 Broman Napa Valley Cabernet – An as-yet-unreleased wine, this fruit came from the Dr. Crane vineyards behind St. Helena High School. Amazingly smooth with spiced berry and hints of cedar in the nose. A jammy, Merlot-like smoothness with layered flavors of cinnamon, clove, cassis, and mocha. Kept going and going and going… $48.00
2000 Broman Napa Valley Syrah – 98% Syrah and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. Bright, mineral and blueberry aromas showed hints of subdued barbecue, molasses tones. Big, meaty mouth entry continued the subtle spicy qualities with even more integrated spices and hints of toast. $30.00
Broman Cellars ~ 945 Deer Park Road ~ St. Helena ~ CA ~ 94574 ~ 707-963-5451