Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2021

Introduction

This highly-regarded Pinot Noir hails from the United States, specifically California, within the Sonoma Coast appellation. Kosta Browne was founded in 1997 by two friends, Dan Kosta and Michael Browne, who were working at a local Santa Rosa restaurant and pooled their tips to make their first barrel of Pinot Noir. The winery quickly gained a reputation for crafting some of California's most sought-after Pinot Noir, focusing on a meticulous approach to viticulture and cellar practices to create wines with elegant intensity and upfront opulence. Their dedication was cemented when their 2009 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir was named Wine Spectator's #1 Wine of the Year in 2011.

Wine Description

The 2021 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir presents a lucid dark ruby with a violet rim. It is a vivid and elegant expression of the Sonoma Coast, successfully blending coastal energy with dark-fruited depth. The wine is a varietal expression of 100% Pinot Noir.

• Aroma: A compilation of ripe, red and blue fruit ignites the senses. Specific notes include red berries, framboise, rosemary, incense, allspice, brown sugar, red cherry, cranberry, tea leaves, lavender, and subtle hints of forest rain.

• Palate: Soft and smooth on the palate, with pure, electric dark berry flavors like juicy pomegranate and raspberry. Savory notes include forest floor and conifer.

• Body: Medium-bodied.

• Finish: Long, spicy finish with notes of cocoa nib and a hint of salty undertone.

The wine offers fantastic balance, with fine, velvety, and unified tannins, fresh seamless acidity, and a good purity of fruit. It was aged for 15 months, primarily in French oak, with 38% new French oak. This wine is a very attractive drinking experience now and has the structure to continue to provide prime drinking over the next 12 or more years.

Accolades

• Jeb Dunnuck - 96 points

• James Suckling - 94 points

• Wine Advocate - 93 points

• Decanter - 93 points