Bottle Notes, Pinot Noir

2009 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Keefer Ranch 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.

Keefer Ranch is located in the Green Valley appellation in the southwestern corner of the Russian River Valley.

Ruby red in color 14.5% ABV. Pretty nose of sappy red fruits, cola and cloves. Medium to full body with exquisite acidity. Plush and supple with tremendous mouth feel. Black cherry, sassafras and baking spices on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. Stunning Pinot Noir. A wine that exemplifies Kosta Browne at the height of it’s powers. Russian River Valley Pinot Noir at it’s very best. Drink over the next 1-2 years.

My rating: 96 points.

The 2017 version will be released to mailing list members in the Fall of this 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.

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