Kosta Browne began as a dream shared by Dan Kosta and Michael Browne. In the summer of 1997, while working at John Ash & Co. restaurant in Santa Rosa, California, Dan and Michael decided to pool their tips and venture into winemaking. Fifteen years later, Kosta Browne is one of the most sought after Pinot Noirs in all of California. At present time they produce three appellation Pinot Noirs, eight single vineyard Pinot Noirs and a Chardonnay.
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. 14.8% ABV. Complex nose of red fruits, violets and baking spice. Medium bodied with ample acidity. The palate is alive with strawberries, bing cherries, plums, brown sugar, earth and cloves. Subtle, silky tannins grace a long, sweet finish. Unmistakably a Russian River Valley Pinot Noir from Kosta Browne. Drink over the next year or so.
My rating: 93 points.
The 2012 version will be released this Fall. As I mentioned in the Fab 5 of Mailing Lists, Kosta Browne is one of hardest lists to crack. Maybe so, but you’ve got nothing to lose by putting your name on the waiting list. Good luck!
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Have always loved KB. The prices have crept up over the years but still delicious and while they are bigger wines I’ve always felt they were varietally correct. Had the 4-Barrel this weekend thanks to Brad and it was killer!
Totally agree James. Sorry I missed that 4-Barrel.