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.
Kanzler Vineyard is located in western Sonoma County, just south of Bodega Highway on Sander’s Road and was planted in 1996.
Crimson in color. 14.9% ABV. Gorgeous nose of dark fruits, brown sugar and cloves. Wonderful fruit held in balance by the right amount of acidity. Nice grip on the palate. Flavors of black cherry, baking spices and sarsaparilla. The finish is long and toasty. Really nice showing from a vintage that many proclaimed would not bode well for Kosta Browne over the long term. Drink over the next year or two.
My rating: 94 points.
The 2013 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!
Kosta Browne fared well in last year’s version of The Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings.
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Always enjoy KB and nice to hear them aging well. Do you have a favorite vineyard from them.
Kanzler is definitely my favorite. Keefer is close though.