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Celebrating the cool-climate character and complexity of California’s most revered winegrowing regions, our Appellation Series wines are a study in terroir with soulful elegance and energetic intensity.
A microclimate that began 20 million years ago is nothing short of a miracle. Over the years, tectonic plate movements caused mountains to rise out of the ocean, break off the plate, and rotate clockwise, creating one of the most defined, transverse ranges on the Pacific Coast. This distinctive feature of the purely East/West maritime mouth funnels cooling coastal fog and wind to the vines. Sta. Rita Hills is one of the world’s best cool-climate growing regions of Pinot Noir.
The 2020 Sta. Rita Hills harvest began two weeks earlier due to several heat spikes throughout the summer and extended an additional five weeks due to slow ripening conditions which led to high quality and character development of the grapes. Bursting with vibrant red fruit, baking spice, and an earthy core, this fascinatingly layered wine is delightfully unique.
The Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir has an electronic music flair dancing out of the glass.”
Julien Howsepian, Winemaker
VINEYARD Drum Canyon, Sanford & Benedict, Our Lady of Guadalupe (formerly Bloodlines), Bentrock, Radian, Francesca, Hilliard Bruce, Rita’s Crown, Mt. Carmel
CLONES 667, 777, 115, 2A, Swan, 828, 23
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Silica (D.E. marine-based soil)
FERMENTATION 62% stainless steel, 20% concrete, 18% wood, 3% whole cluster
AGING 47% new French oak for 15 months, 6% new Austrian oak for 15 months, 4% wood cask for 14 months
ALCOHOL 14.1%
pH 3.64
TA 5.8 g/L
NOSE An explosion of red fruit with an understated yet elegant savory quality. Nostalgic notes of cinnamon stick and clove mesmerize.
MOUTH Deeply rich with an earthy core and copious amounts of fruit. Refreshingly light on the palate with well-integrated tannins and unique flair.
Celebrating the cool-climate character and complexity of California’s most revered winegrowing regions, our Appellation Series wines are a study in terroir with soulful elegance and energetic intensity.
There are many differences between vineyards in this small appellation, but the majority of them do share a common influence – the cooling effect that follows the Russian River inland from the Pacific coast. The resulting fog helps keep nights cool and offers vines a respite from daytime temperatures. In turn, these diurnal temperature swings slow ripening and promote evolved flavors in our grapes.
Over the years, we’ve been fortunate to work with many great vineyards that span a diverse view into a region that many would call the heartland of California Pinot Noir. Our goal is to create a wine that showcases the essence of this magical appellation. But no matter the vintage, there is often a recognizably full mouthfeel, bright red fruit, and texture to the wines from this area.
“There’s a high-pitched vocal energy that soars out of the glass. It’s an awe-inspiring wine.”
Julien Howsepian, Winemaker
VINEYARD Bootlegger’s Hill, Giusti Ranch, Keefer Ranch, Silver Eagle, Treehouse, Sundawg, Moonshine, Winner’s Circle, Zio Tony
CLONES Calera, 23, 115, 667, 777, 828, Elite, CC, Pommard
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Goldridge
FERMENTATION 74% stainless steel, 14% wood, 12% concrete, 6% whole cluster
ÉLEVAGE 32% new French oak for 15 months, 12% wood cask for 14 months
ALCOHOL 14.1%
pH 3.57
TA 5.84 g/L
NOSE Perfectly clean and precise with bright red fruits. Cranberry, boysenberry, and layered baking spices complement the alluring hint of vanilla.
MOUTH Lifted, with a polished, expressive texture and bountiful red fruit. A pleasing tension on the palate finishes with inspiring length and integrated tannins.
Celebrating the cool-climate character and complexity of California’s most revered winegrowing regions, our Appellation Series wines are a study in terroir with soulful elegance and energetic intensity.
The Sonoma Coast appellation overlaps with that of the Russian River Valley in many places and is similarly shaped by the ocean. Local geology can be complex here, a direct result of being located at the intersection of two tectonic plates.
The vineyards we source from lie in both the southern portion of the appellation and in the northern true coastal zone. Together, they form a singular wine that is distinctively Sonoma Coast with deep flavors, rich texture, and savory spice characteristics. To showcase the terrific vintage and the purity of each site, we used a balanced selection of fermentation vessels. The resulting Pinot Noir has enticing energy with pristine dark fruit, dimension, and a long, driving finish.
The Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is an epic rock symphony. It’s got tons of energy and drive on the palate.”
Julien Howsepian, Winemaker
VINEYARD Gap’s Crown, Treehouse, Bootlegger’s Hill, Keefer Ranch, Giusti Ranch, Zio Tony, Moonshine
CLONES 114, 37, 23, Elite, 115, 667, Swan, 777, 828
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Goldridge
FERMENTATION 61% stainless steel, 21% concrete, 18% wood, 2% whole cluster
ÉLEVAGE 34% new French oak for 15 months, 12% wood cask for 14 months
ALCOHOL 14.1%
pH 3.57
TA 5.75 g/L
NOSE Uplifted aromatics. Compelling dark fruit notes of blueberry, blackberry, and boysenberry are coupled with a hint of currant and a seamless touch of vanilla.
MOUTH Vibrant with facets of dark fruit, wildflowers, and earthy layers that add sophistication and create intensity with refined tannins.
Celebrating the cool-climate character and complexity of California’s most revered winegrowing regions, our 2020 Appellation Series wines are a study in terroir with soulful elegance and energetic intensity.
The marine influence that follows the Russian River inland from the Pacific coast is a powerful attribute of this region. The fog helps keep nights cool and offers the vines a well-deserved break from daytime temperatures. The collection of famous Chardonnay vineyards that we work with for this wine are located in the coolest parts of the Russian River Valley. Here, fruit can mature gracefully on the vine, which we find offers us more intensely focused flavors.
Individual pressed lots were fermented in barrel or foudres, all 100% native primary and malolactic fermentations, which adds depth and complexity to the finished wine. From its rich yet lean and focused structure to the vivid notes of citrus, honeysuckle, and crème brûlée, this wine has a vivacious acidity and is worth the wait.
“Our One-Sixteen Chardonnay is rich and lean with laser focus, and a minerality that calls to mind a ‘salt of the earth’ country ballad. Excellent structure, weight, and super balanced–a delicious heartfelt Chardonnay.”
Julien Howsepian, Winemaker
VINEYARD Zio Tony, El Diablo, Keefer Ranch, Charles Ranch, Flora Marie, Ritchie, Bootlegger’s Hill, Winner’s Circle
CLONES Hyde, Wente, Montrachet, Robert Young, 95, 548
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Goldridge
FERMENTATION 73% barrel, 27% foudre
ÉLEVAGE 21% new French oak for 14 months, 28% wood cask for 8 months, 7% new Austrian oak for 14 months, prior to bottling 100% stainless steel for 4 months
ALCOHOL 13.5%
pH 3.25
TA 6.25 g/L
NOSE Vivid citrus notes of lemon and lime zest, pear, fresh honeysuckle and custard crème brûlée delight as a brilliant minerality envelops the senses.
MOUTH A dichotomy of rich and lean with bright acidity and focused structure. Pure fruit and a mesmerizing mid-palate precede a long, nimble finish.
Celebrating the cool-climate character and complexity of California’s most revered winegrowing regions, our Appellation Series wines are a study in terroir with soulful elegance and energetic intensity.
Sixty-five miles north of our winery in Sebastopol, CA, is the critically acclaimed, little-known AVA of Anderson Valley. This rural, unparalleled location has had a history of producing world-class wines, and we are thrilled to release the third vintage of this Appellation Series blend. We sourced from a variety of vineyards within the appellation, creating an extensive representation of an Anderson Valley blend.
To capture the rustic beauty of this region and retain freshness, the wine was fermented predominantly in stainless steel, further creating a striking Pinot Noir. Intense aromas of juicy black cherry, cranberry, and blueberry are enhanced by the expansively layered palate and uplifting acidity. Intense richness with a captivating texture draws the wine to a long finish, resulting in a signature Kosta Browne Pinot Noir.
The Anderson Valley Pinot Noir is the twang of a great bluegrass tune.”
Julien Howsepian, Winemaker
VINEYARD Cerise, Ferrington, Gowan Creek, Confluence, and The Narrows
CLONES 2A, 115, 667, 777, Pommard
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Bearwallow complex
FERMENTATION 78% stainless steel, 17% concrete, 5% wood
ÉLEVAGE 38% new French oak for 15 months, 30% wood cask for 14 months
ALCOHOL 13.5%
pH 3.69
TA 5.6 g/L
NOSE Intense dark cherry, cranberry, and fresh market blueberries with rustic, floral notes of wild rose.
MOUTH Expansive, with a layered depth of fruit. An undeniable richness with broad structure and beautiful texture. A signature KB style.
SIXTY-FIVE MILES NORTH OF OUR winery in Sebastopol, CA, is the critically-acclaimed little-known AVA of Anderson Valley. Over the past quarter-century, this region has emerged as the source for some of California’s most distinctive wines.
The Estate property, the Cerise Vineyard, is our focal point for the valley. We’ve been long-time fans of the region and are thrilled to be winegrowers here ourselves. Perched on the hills above Boonville in Mendocino County, these 26 blocks planted to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay cascade over elevations running from 587 to 1620 feet. The warm, sunny days and cool, foggy nights and mornings of the area coupled with unforgiving terrain result in thought-provoking wines that combine a rustic spirit with stunning energy and opulence.
YEAR AVA ESTABLISHED 1983
TOTAL VINEYARD ACRES 2,500
KEY VARIETIES Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
CLIMATE Prone to wide diurnal temperature variation
THE STA. RITA HILLS IS located between the towns of Buellton and Lompoc in Santa Barbara County. A critical component for this region’s success is its cool climate and the purely East/West mountain range, whose maritime mouth funnels coastal fog and wind to the vines. This unique orientation, coupled with exceptional Botella clay and limestone soils, produces wines that are as focused and bright as they are alluring.
Before you hit the Sta. Rita Hills, stretch your legs and explore the various hotels, restaurants, parks, and shops of the quaint town of Buellton. Now famous after making its silver screen debut in the movie Sideways, you can relive the film by visiting one of the many charming eateries and must-go spots when in the area.
YEAR AVA ESTABLISHED 2001
TOTAL VINEYARD ACRES 2,700
KEY VARIETIES Chardonnay & Pinot Noir
CLIMATE The Pacific Ocean acts as a cooling influence through fog, wind, and moderating summer heat.
THE SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS IS recognized for producing some of California’s most powerful yet intricate and impeccably balanced Pinot Noirs. Perched upon the East-facing terraces of the Santa Lucia Mountains, the vines are consistently cooled by wind and fog drawn from the depths of Monterey Bay.
Within this region is the city of Salinas, an agricultural town surrounded by fruit and vegetable growers with a comprehensive climate blended of coastal breezes and sun that is ideal for grape-growing. There are plenty of favorite local hangouts to discover if you make the stop. The BBQ is truly magical and worthy of a detour in and of itself.
YEAR AVA ESTABLISHED 1991
TOTAL VINEYARD ACRES 6,500
KEY VARIETIES Chardonnay & Pinot Noir
CLIMATE Cool, with fog and wind from Monterey Bay
THE SONOMA COAST, WHICH OVERLAPS with the Russian River Valley and stretches all the way to the windswept edge of the Pacific Ocean, has emerged as a hub for cool-climate wines. The vineyards are planted using the finest modern clones and viticultural techniques and have rapidly earned the region acclaim for producing some of the world’s most extraordinary Pinot Noirs.
A deserving pitstop along the Sonoma Coast is the picturesque town of Bodega. Made famous by Hitchcock’s “The Birds,” this little town is also known for incredible food from talented chefs focused on local, seasonal brilliance.
YEAR AVA ESTABLISHED 1987
TOTAL VINEYARD ACRES 4,000
KEY VARIETIES Chardonnay & Pinot Noir
CLIMATE Cool, with high rainfall relative
THE RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY IS hallowed ground for lovers of great Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Here, the vines are submersed in clockwork fog and daytime temperature swings, which preserve the natural acidity essential to elegant, age-worthy wines. We work with a handful of the most beloved vineyards from this remarkable wine region considered by many to be the heartland of California Pinot Noir.
Within Russian River Valley, in a town tucked away from the main roads, you’ll find a community ranging from writer to artisan. The town of Graton is an area where local winemakers and growers take a respite and enjoy some of the many popular yet under-the-radar restaurants. During harvest, the little town is full of life and bustling.
YEAR AVA ESTABLISHED 1983
TOTAL VINEYARD ACRES 14,900
KEY VARIETIES Chardonnay & Pinot Noir
CLIMATE Impacted by fog from the Pacific Ocean a few miles west
Celebrating the cool-climate character and complexity of California’s most revered winegrowing regions, our 2019 Appellation Series wines showcase what can be achieved from iconic sites in an exceptional vintage. Intricately structured with soaring flavors, this is a vintage not to miss.
A microclimate that began a mere 20 million years ago is nothing short of a miracle. Tectonic plate movements caused mountains to rise out of the ocean, break off the plate, and rotate clockwise, creating one of the most defined, transverse ranges on the Pacific Coast, and remnants of marine sediment deposited during the Miocene Epoch is the soil base. But what makes this area truly unique is the purely East/West maritime mouth that funnels cooling coastal fog and wind to the vines. Sta. Rita Hills is one of the world’s best cool-climate growing regions of Pinot Noir.
The 2019 season was windy, with heavy fog that didn’t break for roughly two weeks, which aided in optimal phenolic development of the grapes. As captivating as it is delicious, this wine has a robust and dynamic cool-factor, with intense fruit and spice notes continuing throughout the palate, building to a complex and polished finish.
VINEYARD Bentrock, Radian, John Sebastiano, Hilliard Bruce, Rita’s Crown, Mt. Carmel
CLONES 667, 777, 115, 2A, Swan, 828, 23
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Silica (D.E. marine-based soil)
FERMENTATION 100% stainless steel
AGING 44% new French oak for 13 months
ALCOHOL 14.1%
pH 3.67
TA 5.9 g/L
NOSE Intense aromas of cranberry, pomegranate, and Rainier cherry. Underlying notes of cinnamon, lemon-thyme, and sarsaparilla.
MOUTH Powerful, with a rush of intense fruit, balanced by the complex texture. Polished, with well-integrated oak and a focused structure.
Celebrating the cool-climate character and complexity of California’s most revered winegrowing regions, our 2019 Appellation Series wines showcase what can be achieved from iconic sites in an exceptional vintage. Intricately structured with soaring flavors, this is a vintage not to miss.
Sixty-five miles north of our winery in Sebastopol, CA is the critically-acclaimed little-known AVA of Anderson Valley. This rural, unparalleled location has had a history of producing world-class wines, and we are thrilled to release the second vintage of this Appellation Series blend. We sourced from varying elevations of our Estate Vineyard, Cerise, showcasing the upper reaches of Anderson Valley, as well as from Ferrington Vineyard on the valley floor and Gowan Creek.
To capture the rustic beauty of Anderson Valley and retain freshness, the wine was fermented in stainless steel, further creating a strikingly wild and exotic Pinot. Aromas of juicy blackberry, black cherry, bramble, and Earl Grey tea showcase the wine’s inherent opulence complemented by an uplifting acidity. Vibrant fruit and spice flavors continue on the palate, drawing to a long, memorable finish.
VINEYARD Cerise, Ferrington, Gowan Creek
CLONES 115, 2A, Pommard, 777, Swan, 828, Calera
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Bearwallow complex
FERMENTATION 100% stainless steel
AGING 44% new French oak for 14 months
ALCOHOL 14.1%
pH 3.69
TA 5.4 g/L
NOSE Strikingly wild and exotic, with ample notes of pomegranate, black cherry, and blueberries.
MOUTH Classic Anderson Valley rusticity with a generous mouthfeel, supple tannins, vibrant acidity, and long finish.
Celebrating the cool-climate character and complexity of California’s most revered winegrowing regions, our 2019 Appellation Series wines showcase what can be achieved from iconic sites in an exceptional vintage. Intricately structured with soaring flavors, this is a vintage not to miss.
There are many differences between vineyards in this small appellation, but the majority of them do share a common influence – the cooling effect that follows the Russian River inland from the Pacific coast. The resulting fog helps keep nights cool and offers vines a respite from daytime temperatures. In turn, these diurnal temperature swings slow down ripening and promote more evolved flavors in our grapes.
Over the years, we’ve been fortunate to work with many great vineyards that span a diverse and varied view into a region that many would call the heartland of California Pinot Noir. Our goal is to create a wine that showcases the essence of this magical appellation. No matter the vintage, there are often fresh red fruit characteristics, a recognizably full mouthfeel, and texture to the wines from the area – a common thread to the components of this blend.
VINEYARD Bootlegger’s Hill, Giusti Ranch, Keefer Ranch, Silver Eagle, Treehouse, Klopp-Laguna, Moonshine, Winner’s Circle, Zio Tony
CLONES 115, 23, Pommard, Calera, 777, CC, Elite, 667, 828, 459
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Goldridge
FERMENTATION 86% stainless steel / 14% wood
AGING 45% new French oak for 16 months / 4% new Austrian oak for 14 months / 10% wood cask for 12 months / 1% concrete for 12 months
ALCOHOL 14.1%
pH 3.69
TA 5.58 g/L
NOSE Expressive red apple, raspberry, and pomegranate aromas excite alongside soft notes of lavender and spice.
MOUTH Lively texture, with a medium body and refined finish. Pristine.
Celebrating the cool-climate character and complexity of California’s most revered winegrowing regions, our 2019 Appellation Series wines showcase what can be achieved from iconic sites in an exceptional vintage. Intricately structured with soaring flavors, this is a vintage not to miss.
The marine influence that follows the Russian River inland from the Pacific coast is a powerful attribute of this region. The fog helps keep nights cool and offers the vines a well-deserved break from daytime temperatures. The collection of famous Chardonnay vineyards that we work with for this wine are located in the coolest parts of the Russian River Valley. Here, fruit can mature gracefully on the vine, which we find offers us more intensely focused flavors.
Individual pressed lots were fermented in barrel or foudres, all 100% native primary and malolactic fermentations, which adds depth and complexity to the finished wine. With brilliant clarity and a bouquet of green apple, pear, and persimmon aromas, this radiant Chardonnay makes a stunning first impression. The palate strikes a lovely balance between richness and bright acidity, with succulent orchard fruit flavors and a kiss of French oak carrying the wine to a long, shimmering finish.
VINEYARD Ritchie, El Diablo, Bootlegger’s Hill, Heintz, Flora Marie, Winner’s Circle, Keefer Ranch, Zio Tony
CLONES Hyde, Wente, Montrachet, Robert Young, 95, 548
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Goldridge
FERMENTATION 78% barrel / 22% foudre
AGING 27% new French oak for 14 months / 22% wood cask for 12 months / 14% new Austrian oak for 14 months / Prior to bottling: 47% stainless steel for 4 months
ALCOHOL 13.5%
pH 3.32
TA 6.2 g/L
NOSE Gorgeous mélange of quince, green apple, pear, and persimmon balanced by undertones of toast and delicate oak.
MOUTH Pure varietal characteristics with a balanced richness and bright acidity.
By joining our list, you are expressing an interest in receiving a wine allocation from Kosta Browne Winery. Due to Mother Nature’s variance from vintage to vintage, we are unable to provide a specific time frame for our waitlist. Our goal with every release is to share our wines with as many new members as possible, while meeting the requests of current members. A wait that’s worth it – join today.
Celebrating the cool-climate character and complexity of California’s most revered winegrowing regions, our 2019 Appellation Series wines showcase what can be achieved from iconic sites in an exceptional vintage. Intricately structured with soaring flavors, this is a vintage not to miss.
Located on the eastern slopes of the coastal range that shelters the fertile Salinas Valley from Big Sur, this appellation is relatively new, with the first vineyards being developed only in the 1970s. Surprisingly, these central coast slopes are generally cooler than the Russian River Valley, largely due to the ocean breezes and fog coming in from Monterey Bay. The vineyards are sheltered by the coastal peaks that limit rainfall. Pinot Noir excels on these hillsides – which is why our travels took us here.
During the 2019 vintage, moderate winds from the Monterey Bay cooled the region, while ideal evening and morning fog lingered, attributing to the rich phenolic development, vibrant acidity, and thoughtfully refined tannins. Beautifully articulated layers of raspberry, blackberry, black licorice, and hints of citrus blossom leap from the glass, while the palate unfurls a dynamic tension and vitality, leading into a long and complex finish.
VINEYARD Soberanes, Sierra Mar, Pisoni, Rosella’s
CLONES Pommard, Pisoni, 777, 828
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Arroyo Seco and Chualar fine sandy loam
FERMENTATION 100% stainless steel / 3% whole cluster
AGING 52% new French oak for 14 months / 32% wood cask for 6 months
ALCOHOL 14.1%
pH 3.71
TA 5.44 g/L
NOSE Vibrant raspberry and blackberry core, with hints of citrus. Classic Santa Lucia Highlands.
MOUTH Electrifying mouthfeel with exciting tension. Plush, with refined tannins and a refreshing cohesive palate.
Celebrating the cool-climate character and complexity of California’s most revered winegrowing regions, our 2019 Appellation Series wines showcase what can be achieved from iconic sites in an exceptional vintage. Intricately structured with soaring flavors, this is a vintage not to miss.
The Sonoma Coast appellation overlaps with that of the Russian River Valley in many places and is similarly shaped by the ocean. Local geology can be complex here, a direct result of being located at the intersection of two tectonic plates. For this wine, we find ourselves drawn to vineyards that are particularly influenced by the Pacific Ocean and are fortunate to work with some spectacular sites.
The vineyards we source from lie in both the southern portion of the appellation and in the northern true coastal zone. Together, they form a singular wine that is distinctly Sonoma Coast, dense, powerful, and with notes of blue fruit. In the southern area, the Petaluma Wind Gap and the San Pablo Bay drive cooler temperatures and provide us with deep flavors and richly textured wines. The vineyards from the coastal reaches contribute savory and spice characteristics that we love as well as great structure and poise.
VINEYARD Sundawg Ridge, Winner’s Circle, Marshall, Jenkins, Gap’s Crown, Kanzler
CLONES 777, 114, Calera, 667, 23, Martini, 828, 115
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Goldridge
FERMENTATION 98% stainless steel / 2% wood
AGING 40% new French oak for 16 months / 6% new Austrian oak for 14 months / 10% wood cask for 12 months
ALCOHOL 14.1%
pH 3.66
TA 5.8 g/L
NOSE Enticing aromas of fresh blueberries, blackberries, and lilacs envelop the senses, while delicate notes of baking spice and vanilla integrate seamlessly.
MOUTH Ripe blue fruit complements the precise balance of structure, layered acidity, and long, powerful finish.
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