Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
The nose of this Pinot jumps with aromas of concentrated Bing cherry, plum and dark cocoa, while the palate displays generous tannin balanced by zippy acidity and flavors of berry coulis, sandalwood and shiitake. Rest this in the cellar for 5-10 years and drink with roasted pork and mushrooms.
Cellar Selection -
Vinous
The 2023 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) is open-knit, plush and very nicely built. A surprising amount of graphite minerality opens first, lending complexity to the concentrated yet weightless dark berry fruit and subtle tea-like tannins. Finessed, polished and expressive, the 2023 boasts the hallmark Kosta Browne supple, velvety texture. All the elements come together effortlessly.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
The 2023 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast shows a medium ruby color with aromas of wild dried herbs and dried blackberry notes; rich and expansive on the palate; dry, with beautiful acidity and well-balanced structure; bright blueberry flavors with a touch of charred oak add depth and complexity; finishing long, extended, and satisfying. Paired with Korean bossam—tender, slow-braised pork belly wrapped in crisp napa cabbage with ssamjang, garlic, and a touch of kimchi—the wine’s bright acidity cuts through the richness while its earthy and herbal notes echo the dish’s savory depth, creating a beautifully balanced, textural interplay that is both vibrant and deeply satisfying. (Tasted: March 18, 2026, San Francisco, CA)
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2023 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast was matured for 16 months in 40% new French oak. It has slowly opening scents of wild berry fruit, tobacco, black tea, violet and bitters. The full-bodied palate features expressive, layered flavors. It’s framed by silky tannins and vibrant acidity and has a long, spicy finish.
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Wine Spectator
Gentle and caressing feel, this offers warmed raspberry and black cherry compote notes, along with hints of anise and black tea. The finish shows a lightly toasted edge.
The Sonoma Coast AVA is large in area but, not counting overlapping regions like Russian River Valley, only has a few thousand acres of grapevines—and it’s no wonder. Much of the region is rugged and not easily accessible. Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean’s fog and cool breezes limits the varieties that can be cultivated, but it proves to be an ideal environment for high quality Pinot Noir.
Since fog is a frequent fact of life here, as are heavy marine layers that sometimes bring rain, the best vineyards are wisely planted above the fog line, on picturesque ridges that capture enough sun to provide even ripening. That, with the overnight drop in temperature that reliably preserves acidity, results in fine expressions of Pinot Noir that often receive tremendous critic and consumer praise alike, and are often in high demand.