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2019 Kosta Browne Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir

Removed from a subterranean, temperature and humidity controlled residential cellar; Purchased upon release; Consignor is original owner

Ends Sunday, 7pm Pacific

RATINGS

94Wine Enthusiast

Dark cherry cordial, cola spice and earthy, sage-like herbs make for a complex though ultimately fruit-driven nose on this appellation blend. It's rich and weighty on the palate, but very layered, showing flavors of black cherry, black tea and turned loam.

94Jeb Dunnuck

Rocking spiced herbs, red and black fruits along with some meaty, exotic notes...complex, medium to full-bodied Pinot Noir with a round, expansive, seamless texture that's already a joy to drink.

93James Suckling

A tad closed on the nose at first, but as it opens you are greeted with aromas of red and black cherries, wet minerals and pine. Full-bodied with soft, integrated tannins. There is real development on the palate, where the bright fruit turns more savory and earthy. Smoky finish.

92Wine Spectator

Rich and supple, with concentrated red plum, raspberry and dark cherry flavors that show minerally richness, followed by hints of red licorice on the finish.

PRODUCER

Kosta Browne

Kosta Browne Winery, in Sebastopol, was founded in 1997 when Dan Kosta and Michael Browne pooled their money to buy a half ton of Pinot Noir grapes and a used grape crusher. The men had been colleagues at a Santa Rosa restaurant, but dreamt of making their own wine. In 2001 they teamed up with Chris Costello, who provided the winemaking pair with a business plan and operational support. Today the three partners still run Kosta Browne, which does not have its own vineyards but sources grapes from the Russian River, Sonoma Coast and Santa Lucia Highlands. Kosta Browne makes only Pinot Noir, and has in little more than a decade developed a strong following for its wines, which are generally single vineyard bottlings. Most Kosta Browne wines are sold through their mailing list.

REGION

United States, California, South Coast, Santa Barbara County, Santa Rita Hills

Santa Rita Hills AVA in northern Santa Barbara County was granted appellation status in 2001. Located between the towns of Lompoc and Buellton, it has a total area of 30,720 acres with 2,700 vineyard acres. The area is considered a cool climate for vineyards, so vineyards are most often planted with the cool-weather grapes Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The hills in the western part of this appellation are directly exposed to the Pacific Ocean, meaning that maritime winds and fog make the western edge of the Santa Rita Hills AVA particularly cool. The Sanford & Benedict Vineyard planted in 1971 was the first vineyard in the district and is still considered one of the best.

TYPE

Red Wine, Pinot Noir

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.