Bottle Notes, Pinot Noir

2015 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Russian River Valley – Bottle Notes

The 2015 Kosta Browne Pinot Russian River Valley was the winning bottle in the August installment of Pick My Next Bottle.

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.

Crimson in color. 14.4% ABV. Super nose of red fruits, cloves, baking spices and forest floor. Medium body with exquisite acidity. Plush, opulent and fruit forward. Black cherry, cranberry, sarsaparilla and earth on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish. So much to like here. Absolutely delicious and true to the Kosta Browne house style. Best over the next 2-3 years.

My rating: 94 points.

The 2019 version will be released to mailing list members early next year.

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.

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