2016 Kosta Browne Russian River Pinot Noir

From the winemaker:

There are many differences between vineyards in this small appellation, but the majority of them do share a common influence – the cooling effect that follows the Russian River inland from the Pacific coast. The resulting fog helps keep nights cool and offers vines a respite from daytime temperatures. In turn, these diurnal temperature swings slow down ripening and promote more evolved flavors in our grapes. We work with vineyards that span a diverse and varied view into a region that many would call the heartland of California Pinot Noir. Our goal is to create a wine that showcases the essence of this magical appellation.

Over the years, we’ve been fortunate to work with many great vineyards. We continue to work carefully with select growers that farm in and around our Sebastopol home. There is often a recognizably full mouthfeel and texture to the wines from the area - a common thread to the components of this blend and a feature we are drawn to every vintage.

Nose:

Ripe summer fruits; blueberries, raspberries and cranberries. Shaved nutmeg and burnt orange peel.

Mouth:

Intense and bold with bright acidity and a soothing mouthfeel. Focused and daring, the longer it rests on the palate, the more it intensifies.

Ratings:

93 Points - James Suckling

"Some dried fruit and dried flowers on the nose with hints of spices and strawberries. Full body and round, soft tannins. Yet, it shows brightness and vivid undertones, giving it vigor. Drink now. (11/2018)"

92 points Wine Spectator
"The mix of red berry, wild berry, licorice and gravelly earth flavors offers lots of substance, maintaining a tight focus and ending with a long, persistent finish. (JL) (5/2018)"

91 Points - Jeb Dunnuck

"The largest production cuvée is the 2016 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley, which sees close to 50% new barrels. This juicy, fruit forward, medium-bodied effort offers classic notes of mulberries, raspberries, and hints of orange blossom. It’s another seamless, balanced 2016 that has the remarkable purity and elegance that’s the hallmark of the 2016 vintage. (6/2018)"