Winemaker Notes
The 2023 Kosta Browne Russian River Pinot Noir offers aromas of ripe raspberry, dark cherry, and black fruit combine with fragrant hibiscus, floral notes, and a touch of vanilla. On the palate, notes of blackberry, blueberry, and plum flavors are complemented by balanced acidity and refined tannins with a hint of cocoa powder, adding depth to a warm, extended finish.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Dazzling aromas of crystalline cherry, cranberry, cinnamon and tangerine zest highlight the nose of this Pinot. The palate brings a wave of lavish acidity and plush tannin, with flavors of concentrated cherry, cassis, purple flowers and cola spice that go on and on.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2023 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is blended from several vineyards, including Bootlegger’s Hill, Giusti Ranch, Jenkins and Treehouse, and offers a lovely high-toned, red-fruited expression that is reflective of the cool growing season. Matured for 16 months in 40% new French oak, intense aromas of pomegranate, tangerine peel, rose petal, rooibos tea and conifer pour from the glass. The full-bodied palate is bursting with spicy red fruit flavors. It’s structured by fine, chalky tannins, and the vibrant acidity drives a long, energetic finish.
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Wine Spectator
Singed tea, apple wood and rose hip notes give this a subtly earthy edge, while the core of raspberry, black cherry and loganberry fruit shows brambly energy. Drink now through 2032.
While the Russian River Valley is a large appellation with multiple climate zones and soil types, it is best known for cool-climate varieties, with Pinot Noir as the most celebrated. The grapes benefit from a reliable late afternoon flow of Pacific Ocean fog through the Petaluma Gap and along the Russian River Valley that ensures slow and steady ripening and the preservation of grape acidity. Today many of California’s most highly regarded Pinot Noir vineyards are in the Russian River Valley, along with its sub-appellation, Green Valley.
Historically Russian River Valley Pinot Noirs had bright red fruit and delicate earthy, mineral notes. But changes in viticultural and winemaking practices have led to stylistic changes in some of the region’s wines. Adjustments to canopy management, among other techniques, have resulted in riper fruit and bolder wines as well. These show flavors of black cherry, blackberry, cola, spice and darker, loamy earth tones, accenting traditional Pinot Noir notes of strawberry, raspberry and light cherry.