Bottle Notes, Pinot Noir

2009 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Koplen Vineyard – Bottle Notes

Kosta Browne was founded in the late nineties by Dan Kosta and Michael Browne. In 2009 controlling interest was sold to Vincraft for close to $40 million. In 2015 J.W. Childs Associates, a Boston-based private equity firm, bought out Vincraft. Most recently Kosta Browne was purchased by Duckhorn Wine Company. With these investments have come numerous changes including a new Winery (Gallery) in Sebastopol and the purchase of Keefer and Cerise Vineyards. A primary focus at Kosta Browne has always been the direct to consumer (DTC) relationship. DTC accounts for close to 85% of the current 30,000 case annual production. The waiting list for the Appellation wines is 18 months long and for the coveted 4 Barrel Pinot Noir there is a 12 year waiting list. More changes are in the works as Kosta Browne strives to stay relevant for the next generation of consumers while preserving the magic that has made KB special for so many years.

The Koplen Vineyard lies in the Middle Reach of the Russian River appellation, just off Olivet Road. Slightly sloped, this young vineyard is showing bold fruit with complex flavors. Dennis Koplen farms the vineyard and Kosta Browne is the only producer to take fruit from this vineyard.

Crimson in color. 14.6% ABV. Exquisite nose of red fruits, cloves, sarsaparilla and damp forest floor. Medium body with perfect acidity. Rich, plush and absolutely delicious. Raspberries, black cherries, baking spices and cola on the palate. The finish is exceptionally long. Just a stunning Pinot Noir and absolutely everything I like about Kosta Browne. Best over the next 2-3 years.

My rating: 95 points.

The 2016 version was just released to members of the mailing list at a price of $95. I bought my allocation.

I blogged about Kosta Browne recently in Exciting Changes at Kosta Browne and Too Much Being Made of a Change in Style at Kosta Browne.

 

Tagged ,

Leave a Comment