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. Eighteen 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 One Sixteen Chardonnay is comprised of fruit from seven vineyards centered on the Green Valley neighborhood of the Russian River Valley.
Bright gold in color. 14.6% ABV. Pretty nose of lemon, apple and butterscotch. Medium body with bright acidity. Pure and precise. Creme brulee, pear, ginger and honeysuckle on the palate. Gorgeous Chardonnay and a really impressive first effort from the Kosta Browne team. Aging beautifully. Drink over the next year or so.
My rating: 93 points.
The 2014 version was just released and is $58 via the mailing list. 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 2015 Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings.
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