Bottle Notes, Pinot Noir

2013 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Russian River Valley – 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 fruit for the 2013 version of the Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is sourced from over a dozen vineyards including Keefer, Koplen and Giusti.

Crimson in color. 14.4% ABV. Stunning nose of red fruits, cloves, cinnamon and forest floor. Light to medium body with medium acidity. Sweet, silky and fruit forward. Black cherry, anise, cranberry and earth on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. If you are a believer that the appellation wines give you a peak into the potential of the single vineyard wines then this bodes well for those with the SVD’s still in your cellar. Best over the next 2-3 years.

My rating: 92 points.

The 2017 version will be released to mailing list members in the Spring of next year.

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