THE JOURNAL
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LEGACY
THE TIP ENVELOPE
The story of Kosta-Browne begins with two friends, Dan Kosta and Michael Browne. The year was 1997 and the buddies both were working at John Ash & Co., a popular restaurant in Santa Rosa, California.
LEGACY
Kitchen Series
At Kosta Browne, we have long been connected to the culinary world, from our founders meeting in a restaurant to hosting the best chefs from across the country cooking in our kitchen at the winery.
LEGACY
SHORE TO SHORE
Our winemaker, Nico Cueva and Hawaiian Chef of the Year, Mike Lofaro set out on a journey, from the Sonoma Coast to the Maui shore, to capture a sense of place through their wine and food.
LEGACY
THE RITE OF INTERNS
Each year, people come here to make wine, it’s not glamorous at all, great winemaking demands preparation.
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The Difference Between Merlot and Pinot Noir?
Merlot is rich and smooth; Pinot Noir is lighter, more delicate and delivers lighter, delicate red fruit and earthy notes.
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Top 100 Wines of the USA 2023
“Really beautiful” - James Suckling 2021 Kosta Browne El Diablo Chardonnay, praised for its greatness, flavor, and Top 100 Wines honor.
RECOGNITION
Shea Vineyard, Willamette Valley, Pinot Noir
Shea Vineyard, established by Dick Shea in the 1980s, embodies Oregon’s Willamette Valley terroir with grand cru-quality Pinot Noir.
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Top 100 Cellar Selections 2023
This elegant Kosta Browne Santa Barbara Pinot Noir: crisp raspberry, geranium, wet stone minerality, and evolving berry jam flavors.
RECOGNITION
Gap’s Crown Vineyard, Sonoma Coast, Pinot Noir
Gap’s Crown Vineyard supplies premium Pinot Noir grapes, key to Kosta Browne's award-winning wines since 2006.
RECOGNITION
Garys’ Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, Pinot Noir
Garys' Vineyard, established in 1997 by Franscioni and Pisoni, produces bold, unique wines in Santa Lucia Highlands.
RECOGNITION
Bootlegger’s Hill, Russian River Valley, Chardonnay
Bootlegger’s Hill Chardonnay offers bold fruit, creamy texture, and balanced oak, embodying Russian River Valley excellence.
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2012 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Keefer Vineyard
Kosta Browne 2012 Keefer Vineyard Pinot Noir: vibrant red fruits, floral notes, and elegant acidity with a lasting finish.
RECOGNITION
Treehouse Vineyard, Russian River Valley, Pinot Noir
Treehouse Vineyard, nestled in Russian River Valley, produces complex Pinot Noir with sun-soaked days and iron-rich soils.
RECOGNITION
El Diablo, Russian River Valley, Chardonnay
El Diablo Chardonnay—vibrant and refined, with citrus, stone fruit, flinty minerality, and a beautifully balanced, crisp finish.
PRESS
Wine & Food | Pinot Noir takes on Burgundy
Thousands gathered at Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience, exploring California Pinot Noir with Kosta Browne.
RECOGNITION
Cerise Vineyard, Anderson Valley, Chardonnay
Anderson Valley's Cerise Vineyard produces wines with rustic charm, energy, and opulence from its steep, elevated terrain.
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Record-Breaking Sonoma County Wine Auction
Record-breaking Sonoma auction saw Silver Oak, Kosta Browne, and Rombauer wines fetch unprecedented prices.
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Wine of the week: 2020 Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills
Kosta Browne’s 2020 Pinot Noir from Santa Rita Hills showcases exceptional depth and complexity, a true standout.
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45 American Pinot Noirs for Special Occasions
Kosta Browne’s Single-Vineyard Pinot Noir offers rich fruit, spice complexity, and a silky, age-worthy texture.
RECOGNITION
Giusti Ranch, Russian River Valley, Pinot Noir
Giusti Ranch Pinot Noir, from historic Russian River Valley, offers rich, refined flavors with deep-rooted elegance.
RECOGNITION
Winner’s Circle, Russian River Valley, Pinot Noir
Winner’s Circle Pinot Noir honors legacy with rich character, vibrant fruit, subtle spice, and silky elegance.
RECOGNITION
Mt. Carmel, Sta. Rita Hills, Chardonnay
Mt. Carmel Chardonnay from Sta. Rita Hills offers vibrant fruit, creamy texture, and exceptional complexity.
RECOGNITION
Mt. Carmel, Sta. Rita Hills, Pinot Noir
One-Sixteen Chardonnay from Russian River Valley, celebrated for its elegance, complexity, and exceptional diatomaceous earth soils.
RECOGNITION
Russian River Valley, Pinot Noir
2021 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir offers vibrant fruit, subtle citrus, and a smooth, extended finish.
RECOGNITION
Winemaker Series, 4–Barrel, California, Pinot Noir
2020 4-Barrel Pinot Noir blends four top vineyards, offering red berries, roses, and a polished, age-worthy finish.
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Best Wines Come From High Elevation Vineyards
Winemakers at high altitudes (1000+ feet) overcome challenges, producing exceptional wines that prove their dedication.
LEGACY
The Sound of Wine
Wine engages all senses—taste, touch, sight, and smell—yet Kosta Browne adds a unique auditory experience.
RECOGNITION
The Enthusiast 100: The Best Wines of 2024
Wine Enthusiast’s 2024 list showcases 100 exceptional wines from 14 countries, spanning all price ranges.
RECOGNITION
Sta. Rita Hills, Pinot Noir
Discover the award-winning Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir, celebrated for vibrant fruit, refined structure, and unique terroir.
RECOGNITION
Cerise Vineyard, Anderson Valley, Pinot Noir
Experience the award-winning Cerise Vineyard Pinot Noir, showcasing Anderson Valley’s cool climate, bold energy, and refined elegance.
RECOGNITION
Rita Hills Pinot Noir – 96 Pts.
Experience the award-winning Radian Vineyard Pinot Noir, a 96-point masterpiece from Sta. Rita Hills.
RECOGNITION
Thorn Ridge Ranch, Sonoma Coast, Pinot Noir
The exceptional Thorn Ridge Ranch Pinot Noir, showcasing Sonoma Coast’s rich fruit, silky tannins, and earthy complexity.
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New to Wine? Best Wines to Get You Started
Kosta Browne’s Appellation Series, showcasing top California Pinot Noir sites and the nuances of terroir.
RECOGNITION
2020 Kosta Browne Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Savor the 2020 Kosta Browne Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir—lush, ripe, and elegantly layered with plum, raspberry, and spice.
PRESS
Wine Spectator’s Insider Weekly
93-point Kosta Browne 2020 Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir—elegant, expressive, and rich in character and style.
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Kosta Browne Sets Its Sights on Burgundy
Kosta Browne expands to Burgundy, debuting five 2020 wines after crafting iconic California Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays.
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Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Talks
Kosta Browne’s Pinot Talks tour explores the intersection of Californian and Burgundian Pinot Noir across global destinations.
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13 New Chardonnays Perfect for Sipping in Winter
Kosta Browne Chardonnay—rich yet vibrant, with baked quince, Meyer lemon, and savory minerality. A perfect winter sip.
RECOGNITION
Gowan Creek Vineyard, Anderson Valley, Pinot Noir
Experience Gowan Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir—rich, robust, and complex, with cedar, spice, vibrant acidity, and intense cherry notes.
RECOGNITION
Keefer Ranch Blanc de Blancs, Russian River Valley
Celebrate a decade of Keefer Ranch with the inaugural Blanc de Blancs—vibrant, unfiltered, and elegantly textured with fine bubbles.
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TOP 100 WINES OF THE USA 2021
97-point Kosta Browne 2018 El Diablo Chardonnay—vibrant, layered, and beautifully balanced with bright fruit, florals, and mineral complexity.
RECOGNITION
Sonoma Coast, Pinot Noir
Sonoma Coast, Pinot Noir is a wine of exceptional quality, celebrated for its balance and complexity.
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Duckhorn Portfolio: the billion-dollar empire
Kosta Browne, Pinot Noir powerhouse, continues its legacy with exclusive wines and thought-provoking Pinot Talks events.
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9 Stellar New Pinot Noirs to Drink This Fall
2019 Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir—vibrant, structured, and complex, with raspberry, blackberry, and refined tannins.
RECOGNITION
Santa Lucia Highlands, Pinot Noir
Savor the Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir—rich in raspberry, blackberry, black licorice, and citrus with refined tannins.
RECOGNITION
Keefer Ranch, Russian River Valley, Pinot Noir
Planted in 1996 and featuring an array of elite clones, the dry-farmed Keefer Ranch is located in the coolest part of the Russian River Valley.
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Ten Perfect Pinot Noirs To Try Now
Discover Kosta Browne 2019 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir—ripe, plush, and rich, with silky tannins and vibrant red-blue fruit.
RECOGNITION
Cohn Vineyard, Russian River Valley, Pinot Noir
Experience Cohn Vineyard Pinot Noir—an old-vine gem from Russian River Valley, with mineral and spice complexity.
RECOGNITION
Anderson Valley, Pinot Noir
Anderson Valley Pinot Noir—vibrant, exotic, with blackberry, bramble, and Earl Grey tea, leading to a long, memorable finish.
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Experience California Wine Country in Style at These 9 Effortlessly Luxurious Vineyards
RECOGNITION
Amber Ridge Vineyard, Russian River Valley, Pinot Noir
Amber Ridge Vineyard in Windsor is one of our northernmost vineyards. This site produces classic Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, exhibiting rich texture, deep red fruits, and baking spice. We source fruit from four distinct blocks, all of which make it into the vineyard-designate bottling, with each contributing to the complexities of the wine. The upper 667 block produces deep, dark berry aromatics, structure, and flavors with a touch of mineral. The lower 667 block contributes lush, round, dark fruits. The 115 block adds deep red fruit characteristics with a strong center palate. The 777 block adds elegance and spice.
LEGACY
The Crew
A photo essay by Lindsey Ross. Farming in Anderson Valley began in the 1850’s and the first grapevines followed soon after. Our story here is a new one.
LEGACY
A STUDY IN CERISE
A photo essay by Lindsey Ross. Farming in Anderson Valley began in the 1850’s and the first grapevines followed soon after. Our story here is a new one.
LEGACY
Kitchen Series – Chef Caitlin Steininger
Chef Caitlin Steininger grew up in Cincinnati, OH in a household full of great food with parents that enjoyed entertaining.
RECOGNITION
Beaune 1er Cru, Contrôleé, Pinot Noir
The beginning of the 2020 Burgundy harvest marked the earliest start to picking in the last 25 years, and the warmer-than-average temperatures with a lack of precipitation reduced the yield of many crops. Thankfully, the grapes that thrived produced wines with unbelievable freshness, texture, concentration, and vibrant acidity.
RECOGNITION
Volnay, Contrôleé, Pinot Noir
The beginning of the 2020 Burgundy harvest marked the earliest start to picking in the last 25 years, and the warmer-than-average temperatures with a lack of precipitation reduced the yield of many crops. Thankfully, the grapes that thrived produced wines with unbelievable freshness, texture, concentration, and vibrant acidity.
RECOGNITION
Meursault, Contrôleé, Chardonnay
The beginning of the 2020 Burgundy harvest marked the earliest start to picking in the last 25 years, and the warmer-than-average temperatures with a lack of precipitation reduced the yield of many crops. Thankfully, the grapes that thrived produced wines with unbelievable freshness, texture, concentration, and vibrant acidity.
RECOGNITION
Pommard, Contrôleé, Pinot Noir
The beginning of the 2020 Burgundy harvest marked the earliest start to picking in the last 25 years, and the warmer-than-average temperatures with a lack of precipitation reduced the yield of many crops. Thankfully, the grapes that thrived produced wines with unbelievable freshness, texture, concentration, and vibrant acidity.
LEGACY
Kitchen Series – Chef Brandon Rosen
Chef Brandon Rosen grew up immersed in his family owned and operated chocolate factory, Leah Gold’s Fantazamadazzle Magical Chocolate Factory in Howell, Michigan.
LEGACY
Kitchen Series – Chef Brian Young
Chef Brian Young spent his young childhood in New Hampshire and his formative years in Nashville, TN. Young sought to express himself creatively, as both a chef and a musician, from an early age.
RECOGNITION
Gevrey-Chambertin, Contrôleé, Pinot Noir
Gevrey-Chambertin, Contrôleé, Pinot Noir is a distinguished wine from the heart of Burgundy, renowned for its deep character and sophisticated profile. This Pinot Noir offers a harmonious balance of ripe fruit, earthy undertones, and subtle oak, all underpinned by the unique terroir of the Gevrey-Chambertin appellation. Its award-winning qualities make it a prized choice for connoisseurs who appreciate the elegance and complexity of traditional Burgundy wines.
LEGACY
Kitchen Series – Chef Eddie Konrad
Eddie was born and raised in Philadelphia, where he attended Mercy Vocational High School and studied culinary arts. He realized at a young age that being in the kitchen made him feel like he was finally a part of something.
RECOGNITION
One–Sixteen, Russian River Valley, Chardonnay
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 vines a break from daytime temperatures. The famous Chardonnay vineyards that we work with for this wine are from the coolest parts of the Russian River Valley. Here, fruit is allowed to mature gracefully on the vine, which we find offers us more intensely focused flavors and generous natural acidity.
LEGACY
Kitchen Series – Chef Michelle Minori
Chef Michelle Minori has been named one of The San Francisco Chronicle’s Rising Star Chefs of 2017, and has been included in 7×7’s list of “8 San Francisco Chefs Prove a Woman’s Place Is at the Head of the Kitchen”
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KB x Top Chef Collaboration Events (Part 2)
LEGACY
Kitchen Series – Chef David Viana
After cooking with world-class chefs, including Bobby Flay, Anne Burrell and Michael White, and sharpening his skills in world-class kitchens such as Eleven Madison Park
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KB x Top Chef Collaboration Events (Part 1)
RECOGNITION
Pisoni Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, Pinot Noir
Perched at an altitude of 1,300 feet, Pisoni Vineyard is the brainchild of Gary Pisoni, who defied the odds and proved that grapes could thrive in this unique location overlooking the Salinas Valley to the east. Despite being told that the site was unsuitable for grape growing, Gary’s determination led to the creation of world-class wines from this special place. The vineyard benefits from the cool climate, as the valley opens to Monterey Bay and cold fog from the Pacific Ocean blankets the region daily, along with prevailing ocean winds, making it one of the coolest growing regions in California.
RECOGNITION
Rosella’s Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, Pinot Noir
Planted by legendary winegrower Gary Franscioni in 1996 and named after his wife, Rosella’s Vineyard features the coveted Pisoni clone and is situated in the northernmost part of the Santa Lucia Highlands and borders lemon groves above the fertile valley below. Strong wind and fog off Monterey Bay ensure a long, temperate growing season in this region.
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The Gallery
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Shore to Shore Film
RECOGNITION
Laguna Vineyard, Russian River Valley, Chardonnay
Ulises Valdez was a highly skilled grower whose dedication to excellence in the vineyard led him to immigrate to this country as a young teenager, eventually establishing himself as one of the most iconic growers in northern California. For years, we have worked with this special site and feel honored to share a focused representation within this wine's series. An all-time personal favorite of our team, this Chardonnay is fermented and aged almost exclusively in new horizontal foudres, providing deep texture and nuance only found from working with such a unique cask. By crafting this Chardonnay without fining or filtering, the result is a complex wine with excellent aging potential.
RECOGNITION
Rita’s Crown, Sta. Rita Hills, Pinot Noir
We are thrilled to welcome the 2019 Rita’s Crown, Sta. Rita Hills, Pinot Noir to our hallmark Fall Offering. Planted in 2007 and observed as the highest vineyard site of the appellation, Rita’s Crown is predominantly south-facing and boasts intensely high elevations and slope, allowing the vines to receive an extraordinary amount of sunshine and coastal wind. This, combined with the region’s typical diatomaceous earth, adds distinct intensity to the fruit.
RECOGNITION
Koplen Vineyard, Russian River Valley, Pinot Noir
In 2017, Mother Nature delivered a concentrated harvest and our talented team worked tirelessly to
bring the fruit in at peak quality. These wines are inspired by our desire to capture the essence of many
of California's best vineyards for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This place-driven focus guides every
decision in both vineyard and cellar, and each year we strive to produce exemplary representations of
vintage and terroir.
RECOGNITION
Sixty Days, Gap’s Crown Vineyard, Pinot Noir
Gap's Crown is considered by many to be one of the best representations of what the Petaluma Gap AVA, which spans an area of more than 200,000 acres, is all about. Since we began working with this site in 2006, its meteoric rise into the pantheon of great Pinot Noir vineyards has been extraordinary, and we are thrilled to include this unique interpretation within our Observations Series.
RECOGNITION
Kanzler Vineyard, Sonoma Coast, Pinot Noir
In 2017, Mother Nature delivered a concentrated harvest, and our talented team worked tirelessly to bring the fruit in at peak quality. These wines are inspired by our desire to capture the essence of many of California's best vineyards for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This place-driven focus guides every decision in both vineyard and cellar, and each year we strive to produce exemplary representations of vintage and terroir.
RECOGNITION
Charles Ranch, Sonoma Coast, Chardonnay
Steeped in history, Charles Ranch Vineyard has been cultivated by the Charles family and Martinelli generations since 1860. Nestled on the far Sonoma Coast, this property, formerly known as "Buffalo Hill," was once among the largest sheep ranches in Sonoma County. In the early 1980s, defying skepticism and the Agricultural Commission's recommendations, the family boldly planted 14 acres of Chardonnay on the ranch's steep hillsides.
RECOGNITION
Free James, Sonoma Coast, Pinot Noir
Free James Pinot Noir—crafted from Sonoma Coast’s extreme terroir, delivering freshness, vibrancy, and rich historical depth.
