Bottle Notes, Pinot Noir

2008 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Koplen Vineyard – Bottle Notes

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. Pretty nose of red fruits, baking spices, cloves and a touch of forest floor. Medium body with ample acidity. Still packed with fruit but in a more elegant package at nine years of age. Black cherry, anise, cinnamon and sarsaparilla on the palate. The finish is glorious. Stunning Pinot Noir and everything I love about Kosta Browne. Drink over the next several years.

My rating: 94 points.

The 2015 version will be released next 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 2016 Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings.

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