Kosta Browne was founded in the late nineties by Dan Kosta and Michael Browne. In 2009 controlling interest was sold to Vincraft for close to $40 million. In 2015 J.W. Childs Associates, a Boston-based private equity firm, bought out Vincraft. Most recently Kosta Browne was purchased by Duckhorn Wine Company. With these investments have come numerous changes including a new Winery (Gallery) in Sebastopol and the purchase of Keefer and Cerise Vineyards. A primary focus at Kosta Browne has always been the direct to consumer (DTC) relationship. DTC accounts for close to 85% of the current 30,000 case annual production. The waiting list for the Appellation wines is 18 months long and for the coveted 4 Barrel Pinot Noir there is a 12 year waiting list. More changes are in the works as Kosta Browne strives to stay relevant for the next generation of consumers while preserving the magic that has made KB special for so many years.
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. 14.8% ABV. Charming nose of red fruits, cherry cola, rose petals and cloves. Medium body with exquisite acidity. Fruit forward, plush and perfectly balanced. Cherries, plums, baking spices and minerals on the palate. The finish on the wine is breathtaking. Delicious wine that embodies everything I adore about Kosta Browne. Best over the next 2-4 years.
My rating: 95 points.
The 2017 version of this wine was just released to mailing list members in the last few weeks. I’ve bought my allocation.
I blogged about Kosta Browne recently in Exciting Changes at Kosta Browne and Too Much Being Made of a Change in Style at Kosta Browne.