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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.
LIKE MANY OF CALIFORNIA’S most celebrated vineyards located in the iconic Russian River Valley, Bootlegger’s Hill was once an apple orchard. Surrounded by redwoods and firs, the cool climate and well-drained Goldridge soils of this revered site keep crops small, adding intensity, elegance, and enticing flavors to both our Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Though the ranch features two blocks of Chardonnay, it is dominated by seven varieties of Pinot Noir clones planted in the region’s hallmark sandy loam Goldridge soils, derived from an ancient seabed. Bountiful options of rootstock and various pruning methods within the vineyard make for a beautifully layered and interesting wine. From its spherical structure on the palate to flavors of pristine berry, there is an effortless harmony to this wine. Aromas of raspberry and strawberry emerge from the glass with subtle notes of sarsaparilla and sage, while supple tannins and a hint of oak lead to a remarkably long finish.
VINEYARD Bootlegger’s Hill Vineyard
CLONES 667, Pommard, Calera, Elite, 37, 23, 115, 459, 115, CC
ORIENTATION North/East
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Goldridge
FERMENTATION 49% stainless steel, 18% concrete, & 10% wood, 10% whole cluster
AGING 31% new French oak & 3% new Austrian oak for 16 months, 19% wood tank, 20% concrete for 10 months
ALCOHOL 13.8%
pH 3.64
TA 5.57 g/L
NOSE Focused and profound fruit aromas of raspberry and strawberry emerge. Subtle notes of sarsaparilla and sage work in harmony.
MOUTH A pristine vintage that is plush yet firm, with great depth on the palate. Supple tannins and a hint of oak lead to a remarkably long finish.
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
Planted in 2008, El Diablo Vineyard has an average elevation of 500 feet. This tightly spaced vineyard encourages competition between the vines for a fixed amount of nutrients, resulting in reduced yields and exemplary quality.
Minimal cellar intervention and impressive terroir combine to create a wine that is both opulent and elegant. Crafted from the famed Montrachet and Robert Young clones, this is one of the finest Chardonnays we have ever produced, combining remarkable tension and length with an almost weightless sense of richness. In the winery, we aged 52% of the wine for 11 months in large-format foudres before transferring it to 60-gallon French oak barrels to impart a leesy richness. The result is as delicious as it is complex, with riveting layers of lychee, lemon zest, brioche, honeycomb, apple blossom, and crème brulée.
VINEYARD El Diablo
CLONES Montrachet, Robert Young
ORIENTATION North/East
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Silica Spreckles loam, Felta very gravelly loam
FERMENTATION 52% foudre / 48% barrel fermentation
AGING 48% new French oak for 14 months / 13% new Austrian oak for 14 months
ALCOHOL 13.4%
pH 3.11
TA 7.02 g/L
NOSE Complex. Lychee nut, honeycomb, and crème.
MOUTH Superbly textural, with fresh lemon zest, and tension between vivacity and richness.
Planted in 1989, on steep and rugged land surrounding an abandoned Carmelite monastery, Mt. Carmel was one of the first vineyards planted in the Sta. Rita Hills appellation. Primarily dry-farmed, Mt. Carmel is extremely cool and windy. This, combined with exceptional Botella clay and limestone soils, produces a wine that is as intricate and dynamic as it is alluring.
Combining five elite clones and made with 43% whole cluster, it has a superb, terroir-driven structure, seductive tannins, and an underlying tensile acidity. On the palate, pure, vibrant flavors of raspberry, blueberry, cacao nibs, and dried herbs coalesce around an energetic core before culminating in a long, resonant finish.
VINEYARD Mt. Carmel
CLONES Pommard, Swan, 667, 2A, 828
ORIENTATION East/West
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Botella clay & limestone
FERMENTATION 64% concrete / 43% whole cluster / 29% stainless steel / 7% wood fermentation
AGING 100% stainless steel for 4 months / 36% new French oak for 16 months / 15% new Austrian oak for 16 months
ALCOHOL 13.5%
pH 3.55
TA 5.97 g/L
NOSE Brilliant vivacity with enticing notes of raspberry, blueberry, dried herbs, and cacao nibs.
MOUTH Firm and energetic, with compact and precise tannins. Lengthy and completely unforgettable.
Widely recognized as one of California’s greatest vineyards, Pisoni helped to make the Pinot Noirs from the Santa Lucia Highlands among the most coveted in the state. Reaching elevations of 1,300 feet and featuring granite and sandstone soils, as well as a southeastern exposure, the site always yields a dramatic wine, with incredible color and concentration. The 45 planted acres here are divided into small blocks that follow the contours of the mountains. The lean, decomposed granite soils are well-drained, stressing the vines and forcing their roots deep into the earth in search of water and nutrients.
While the 2018 vintage is undeniably rich and robust, it carries its power with flowing grace and energy as it reveals layers of blood orange, Damson plum, kiwi, and chaparral. Beautifully structured and with an uncommonly long and poetic finish, it is a benchmark wine from a legendary vineyard.
VINEYARD Pisoni Vineyard
CLONES Pisoni
ORIENTATION North/South
TRELLISING Uni-lateral cordon
SOIL Glacial alluvial
FERMENTATION 64% concrete / 36% wood / 24% whole cluster
AGING 48% new French oak for 16 months
ALCOHOL 14.5%
pH 3.68
TA 5.4 g/L
NOSE Poetic aromas of blood orange, plum, and kiwi with power and poise.
MOUTH Strong, with a complex structure that floods the palate. Focused, dark fruit with eloquent energy.
Established in 1997, Garys’ Vineyard is a partnership between the acclaimed Franscioni and Pisoni winegrowing families. Though located just a couple of miles south of Rosella’s Vineyard, Garys’ yields its own profoundly unique expression of Pinot Noir. Like the two Garys who founded it, this luxurious wine is larger than life.
Crafted from the Pisoni clone and clone 23, with 18% whole cluster used during fermentation, it is an epic Pinot, with savory undertones and seductive flavors of brambly blackberry, dark cherry, honeysuckle, and hints of dark chocolate, sage, and lavender.
VINEYARD Garys’ Vineyard
CLONES Pisoni, 23
ORIENTATION North/South
TRELLISING Uni-lateral cordon
SOIL Glacial alluvial
FERMENTATION 49% stainless steel / 39% concrete / 18% whole cluster / 12% wood fermentation
AGING 100% stainless tank for 4 months / 36% new French oak for 16 months / 9% new Austrian oak for 16 months
ALCOHOL 14.3%
pH 3.63
TA 5.67 g/L
NOSE Classic. Enticing blackberry bramble and honeysuckle tinged with hints of dark chocolate, sage, and lavender.
MOUTH Savory and seductive with a moving richness, deep texture, and an everlasting finish.
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. Strong wind and fog off Monterey Bay ensure a long, temperate growing season in this region.
To accentuate this wine’s most graceful qualities, it was fermented with 5% whole cluster and aged in a modest 34% of new oak barrels. As the wine opens, cascading flavors of raspberry and rose petal mingle with delicate undercurrents of orange blossom and lemon zest, with supple, integrated tannins drawing the wine to a gentle, lingering finish.
VINEYARD Rosella’s Vineyard
CLONES 777, Pisoni, 828
ORIENTATION North/South
TRELLISING Uni-lateral cordon
SOIL Glacial alluvial
FERMENTATION 71% concrete / 20% wood / 9% stainless steel / 5% whole cluster
AGING 100% stainless steel for 4 months / 24% new French oak for 16 months / 10% new Austrian oak for 16 months
ALCOHOL 14.4%
pH 3.6
TA 5.59 g/L
NOSE Elegant raspberry and lemon zest enhanced with playful notes of blood orange and homemade marshmallow.
MOUTH Explosive, yet gentle with profound balance and integrated tannins followed by a long finish.
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 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 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
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
Planted in 1996, and located 8 miles from the Pacific Ocean, Kanzler Vineyard is recognized as one of the jewels of the Sonoma Coast. While we have been making a Single Vineyard bottling from this site since 2002, today, with vines averaging more than 20 years of age, Kanzler is a vineyard in all its glorious prime.
Sophisticated with an elegant spherical quality, the 2018 Kanzler Pinot Noir offers a fresh, finely woven structure, with dazzling layers of blueberry, boysenberry, red apple, and raspberry tart, with hints of lemon thyme, honey, mint, and earth.
VINEYARD Kanzler Vineyard
CLONES 115, 667, Pommard
ORIENTATION North/South
TRELLISING Cane pruned
SOIL Goldridge
FERMENTATION 100% concrete / 19% whole cluster
AGING 100% wood tank for 3 months / 45% new French oak for 14 months
ALCOHOL 13.8%
pH 3.64
TA 5.26 g/L
NOSE Vibrant. Crushed raspberry tart, lemon thyme, and hints of mint tea with honey linger.
MOUTH Fresh and sophisticated with a compact mid-palate and an explosive, sensational finish.
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, where wind and fog lengthen the growing season and produce one of our most refined and graceful Pinot Noirs. We began working with this site in 2005 in collaboration with the legendary Marcy Keefer.
In the winery, we used an array of fermentation vessels to showcase different aspects of this remarkable vineyard. The resulting wine offers strawberry, rhubarb, and boysenberry flavors that are fresh and precise, with plush tannins and radiant acidity adding to this wine’s elegant expressiveness.
VINEYARD Keefer Ranch
CLONES 115, Pommard, 777, 828, Calera, Swan, 2a
ORIENTATION North/East
TRELLISING Bi-lateral Cordon
SOIL Goldridge and Josephine Loam
FERMENTATION 50% stainless steel / 25% concrete / 25% wood / 4% whole cluster
AGING 54% wood tank for 4 months / 52% new French oak for 17 months / 38% stainless steel for 4 months
ALCOHOL 14.3%
pH 3.62
TA 5.49 g/L
NOSE Lifted, elegant red berry fruit aromas of just-picked raspberries, blackberry, and bright boysenberry.
MOUTH Compact, focused, and precise, with soft curves, integrated tannins, and a refined finish.
The Giusti family has farmed this eponymous property since the 1870s and has some of the deepest roots in Russian River Valley grape growing. Located in a somewhat warmer region of the Russian River Valley, and featuring ideal Goldridge soils, this historic property consistently delivers one of our most sumptuous Pinot Noirs.
As the vines have evolved, this wine has become ever-more appealing and complex, with a gorgeous bouquet of crushed blackberry, cherry, and sugar pine flavors. To underscore the balance and crystalline purity of this deeply structured Pinot, the wine was given additional aging after blending in large oak casks.
VINEYARD Guisti Ranch
CLONES 115, 667, 777
ORIENTATION North/South & East/West
TRELLISING Uni-lateral cordon
SOIL Goldridge
FERMENTATION 52% concrete / 31% stainless steel / 8% whole cluster
AGING 100% wood tank for 4 months / 23% new French oak for 16 months
ALCOHOL 14.2%
pH 3.48
TA 14.2 g/L
NOSE Juicy blackberry and ripe cherry with finely delineated fruit unfolding. Hints of lemon zest and sugar pine.
MOUTH Broad and intensely structured. Impressive tension and focus with a long, flavorful, balanced finish.
LIKE MANY OF CALIFORNIA’S MOST celebrated vineyards located in the iconic Russian River Valley, Bootlegger’s Hill was once an apple orchard. The ranch has six varieties of Pinot Noir clones and features two blocks of Chardonnay planted in the region’s hallmark sandy loam Goldridge soils, derived from an ancient seabed. The Chardonnay lies on the northern edge of the vineyard. This portion gently slopes toward a backdrop of redwoods, collecting cool air, and is the perfect location to grow this variety.
Though vines were first planted on the site in 2009, the bulk of the vineyard was planted the following year in 2010. Made exclusively from the famed Hyde clone of Chardonnay, this wine is vibrant and energetic with elegant aromas of lemon curd, jasmine, and a pleasant hint of flinty minerality. A beam of racy acidity complements the silky poise and purity of flavors, including bright citrus, sweet green apple, and fascinating notes of oyster shells.
VINEYARD Bootlegger’s Hill Vineyard
CLONES Hyde
ORIENTATION North/East
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Goldridge
FERMENTATION 100% barrel fermented, 62% fermented in new Stockinger Puncheons
AGING 62% aged in new Austrian oak, 9% new French oak for 16 months
ALCOHOL 13.5%
pH 3.26
TA 7.00 g/L
NOSE Vibrant aromas of lemon curd, honeycomb, and jasmine are balanced by a pleasant, flinty lift.
MOUTH Tantalizing and bright, with racy acidity. Notes of citrus peel, sweet green apple and oyster shells are illuminated.
Like many of California’s most celebrated vineyards located in the iconic Russian River Valley, Bootlegger’s Hill was once an apple orchard. Surrounded by redwoods and firs, the cool climate and well-drained Goldridge soils of this revered site keep crops small, adding intensity, elegance, and enticing flavors to both our Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Though the ranch features two blocks of Chardonnay, it is dominated by seven varieties of Pinot Noir clones planted in the region’s hallmark sandy loam Goldridge soils, derived from an ancient seabed. Bountiful options of rootstock and various pruning methods within the vineyard make for a beautifully layered and interesting wine. From its spherical structure on the palate to flavors of pristine berry, there is an effortless harmony to this wine. Aromas of raspberry and strawberry emerge from the glass with subtle notes of sarsaparilla and sage, while supple tannins and a hint of oak lead to a remarkably long finish.
VINEYARD Bootlegger’s Hill Vineyard
CLONES 667, Pommard, Calera, Elite, 37, 23, 115, 459, 115, CC
ORIENTATION North/East
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Goldridge
FERMENTATION 49% stainless steel, 18% concrete, & 10% wood, 10% whole cluster
AGING 31% new French oak & 3% new Austrian oak for 16 months, 19% wood tank, 20% concrete for 10 months
ALCOHOL 13.8%
pH 3.64
TA 5.57 g/L
NOSE Focused and profound fruit aromas of raspberry and strawberry emerge. Subtle notes of sarsaparilla and sage work in harmony.
MOUTH A pristine vintage that is plush yet firm, with great depth on the palate. Supple tannins and a hint of oak lead to a remarkably long finish.
Eight miles from the Pacific Ocean, at an elevation just above the coastal fog, our 14-acre Treehouse Vineyard is set in the heartland of the Russian River Valley. Previously, this land was used for grazing cattle, which means there was no need for a source of water. To this day, water must be carted up to the vineyard to water the vines which were first planted in 2006. Bounded by cypress trees and majestic redwoods, this site is a natural masterpiece, shaped by sun-kissed days and unique iron-rich soils that create a Pinot Noir with profound depth and complexity.
Treehouse Vineyard produced a sensational Pinot Noir in 2017, with alluring aromas of black plum, ripe, wild raspberry, and baking spices. Seductive flavors of fresh blueberry and black cherry bloom upon the palate, revealing delicate notes of French oak and spice, which frame a complex, lingering finish.
VINEYARD Treehouse Vineyard
CLONES Swan, 37, 23, Calera, Pommard, 9A5, 828
ORIENTATION North/East
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Volcanic
FERMENTATION 39% stainless steel, 25% concrete to preserve delicate flavors & 13% wood
AGING Aged 45% new French oak & 7% new Austrian oak for 22 months
ALCOHOL 14.1%
pH 3.50
TA 5.70 g/L
NOSE Brilliant, pure fruit, with notes of black plum, wild raspberry, rich cherry, and baking spices.
MOUTH Long and broad, with fresh blueberry and black cherry undertones. Elegant, with tremendous depth and alluring acidity.
Over the past quarter-century, the Anderson Valley has emerged as the source for some of California’s most distinctive wines, and Cerise is one of the valley’s most preeminent vineyards. Rising from 587 to 1,620 feet, its steep, unforgiving terrain results in thought-provoking wines that combine a rustic spirit with stunning energy and opulence.
Originally planted with Pinot Noir in 1997, a selection of vines were grafted to Chardonnay in 2013. Grown on a south-west facing slope, this striking expression of Anderson Valley Chardonnay comes from the coolest section of Cerise Vineyard. Aromas of lychee, Asian pear, and lemon verbena leap from the glass, while the palate displays a silky, sophisticated complexity. Light flavors of exotic fruit balance notes of minerality, citrus zest, and wildflowers that linger upon the thoughtful finish.
The incredible location has had a history of producing top-ranking wines, and we feel humbled to have the opportunity to farm this site.
VINEYARD Cerise Vineyard
CLONES Wente
ORIENTATION Southwest
TRELLISING Quad Cordon
SOIL Wolfey-Bearwallow
FERMENTATION 100% barrel fermented
AGING Barrel aged 16 months in 26% new French oak
ALCOHOL 13.4%
pH 3.46
TA 6.20 g/L
NOSE Exotic fruit tones of lemon zest, Asian pear, and lychee. Nuanced, with great complexity.
MOUTH An elegant and sophisticated wine with refined richness. A soft spice enhances the fresh notes of honeysuckle and almond with a light floral finish.
Over the past quarter-century, the Anderson Valley has emerged as the source for some of California’s most distinctive wines and Cerise as one of the valley’s most preeminent vineyards. Rising from 587 to 1,620 feet, its steep, unforgiving terrain results in thought-provoking wines that combine a rustic spirit with stunning energy and opulence. Pinot Noir blocks sit on the eastern side of the valley, facing west, 16 miles from the coast. There is not a single block on flat ground.
Carefully harvested over five weeks from vineyard blocks ranging in elevation, this is a beautifully complex and cerebral wine. There is a freshness of bright cherry and strawberry aromas, underscored by subtle notes of vanilla bean and herbes de Provence. On the palate, a sleek acidity and fine tannins add structure and tension to the enticing berry and spice flavors, drawing the wine to a polished finish.
VINEYARD Cerise Vineyard
CLONES Pommard, Marini, 115, 2A, 777, 114, 667, David Bruce
ORIENTATION North/South
TRELLISING Cane VSP
SOIL Yorkville-Witherell
FERMENTATION 45% wood, 40% concrete, 8% whole cluster, 7% stainless steel
AGING Barrel aged 19 months in 47% new French oak
ALCOHOL 13.4%
pH 3.80
TA 5.60 g/L
NOSE Earthy notes complement the bright cherry and cranberry aromas, while a subtle vanilla bean highlights the elegant structure.
MOUTH Harmonious and poised, with fine tannins, powerful fruit, and a captivating acidity.
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.
Over the past quarter-century, the Anderson Valley has emerged as the source for some of California’s most distinctive wines, and Cerise as one of the valley’s most preeminent vineyards. Rising from 587 to 1,620 feet, its steep, unforgiving terrain results in thought-provoking wines that combine a rustic spirit with stunning energy and opulence. Pinot Noir blocks sit on the eastern side of the valley, facing west, 16 miles from the coast. There is not a single block on flat ground.
Carefully harvested over five weeks from vineyard blocks ranging in elevation, this is a beautifully complex and cerebral wine. There is a freshness of bright cherry and strawberry aromas, underscored by subtle notes of vanilla bean and herbes de Provence. On the palate, a sleek acidity and fine tannins add structure and tension to the enticing berry and spice flavors, drawing the wine to a polished finish.
VINEYARD Cerise Vineyard
CLONES Pommard, Marini, 115, 2A, 777, 114, 667, David Bruce
ORIENTATION North/South
TRELLISING Cane VSP
SOIL Yorkville-Witherell
FERMENTATION 45% wood, 40% concrete, 8% whole cluster, 7% stainless steel
AGING Barrel aged 19 months in 47% new French oak
ALCOHOL 13.4%
pH 3.80
TA 5.60 g/L
NOSE Earthy notes complement the bright cherry and cranberry aromas, while a subtle vanilla bean highlights the elegant structure.
MOUTH Harmonious and poised, with fine tannins, powerful fruit, and a captivating acidity.
Over the past quarter-century, the Anderson Valley has emerged as the source for some of California’s most distinctive wines, and Cerise is one of the valley’s most preeminent vineyards. Rising from 587 to 1,620 feet, its steep, unforgiving terrain results in thought-provoking wines that combine a rustic spirit with stunning energy and opulence.
Originally planted with Pinot Noir in 1997, a selection of vines were grafted to Chardonnay in 2013. Grown on a south-west facing slope, this striking expression of Anderson Valley Chardonnay comes from the coolest section of Cerise Vineyard. Aromas of lychee, Asian pear, and lemon verbena leap from the glass, while the palate displays a silky, sophisticated complexity. Light flavors of exotic fruit balance notes of minerality, citrus zest, and wildflowers that linger upon the thoughtful finish.
The incredible location has had a history of producing top-ranking wines, and we feel humbled to have the opportunity to farm this site.
VINEYARD Cerise Vineyard
CLONES Wente
ORIENTATION Southwest
TRELLISING Quad Cordon
SOIL Wolfey-Bearwallow
FERMENTATION 100% barrel fermented
AGING Barrel aged 16 months in 26% new French oak
ALCOHOL 13.4%
pH 3.46
TA 6.20 g/L
NOSE Exotic fruit tones of lemon zest, Asian pear, and lychee. Nuanced, with great complexity.
MOUTH An elegant and sophisticated wine with refined richness. A soft spice enhances the fresh notes of honeysuckle and almond, with a light floral finish.
LIKE MANY OF CALIFORNIA’S MOST celebrated vineyards located in the iconic Russian River Valley, Bootlegger’s Hill was once an apple orchard. The ranch has six varieties of Pinot Noir clones and features two blocks of Chardonnay planted in the region’s hallmark sandy loam Goldridge soils, derived from an ancient seabed. The Chardonnay lies on the northern edge of the vineyard. This portion gently slopes toward a backdrop of redwoods, collecting cool air and is the perfect location to grow this variety.
Though vines were first planted on the site in 2009, the bulk of the vineyard was planted the following year in 2010. Made exclusively from the famed Hyde clone of Chardonnay, this wine is vibrant and energetic with elegant aromas of lemon curd, jasmine, and a pleasant hint of flinty minerality. A beam of racy acidity complements the silky poise and purity of flavors, including bright citrus, sweet green apple, and fascinating notes of oyster shells.
VINEYARD Bootlegger’s Hill Vineyard
CLONES Hyde
ORIENTATION North/East
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Goldridge
FERMENTATION 100% barrel fermented, 62% fermented in new Stockinger Puncheons
AGING 62% aged in new Austrian oak, 9% new French oak for 16 months
ALCOHOL 13.5%
pH 3.26
TA 7.00 g/L
NOSE Vibrant aromas of lemon curd, honeycomb, and jasmine are balanced by a pleasant, flinty lift.
MOUTH Tantalizing and bright, with racy acidity. Notes of citrus peel, sweet green apple, and oyster shells are illuminated.
Regina Sanz brings an inquisitive nature, an obsession with quality winemaking, a passion for delivering exceptional hospitality, and an innovative approach to customer experiences and trade partnerships in the wine industry.
Thanks to her California upbringing, appetite for world travel, and Spanish heritage, Sanz has a rich cultural background in wine and food. She began her wine career working as a Sommelier in the fine dining restaurant industry in San Diego, California, following her previous career as a competitive snowboarder.
She has a combined 15+ years of marketing, sales, and hospitality experience working for organizations including JRDN Restaurant-Tower 23 Hotel, Marriott, Vail Resorts, Redbull (ask her about the “Downhill at Mammoth”), The Firehouse Restaurant, The Henry Wine Group, Terlato Wines International, Terroir Selections, and Jordan Vineyard & Winery.
Today, as Senior Estate Director, Sanz leads the Kosta Browne team in the hospitality, marketing, and business development efforts of thought-provoking wines. She carries on the creative and entrepreneurial spirit of the Kosta Browne founders.
Her passionate obsession with ushering in dynamic, creative, and authentic storytelling has soared to new heights at KB. She led the creative on “Shore to Shore,” a Yeti Films-meets-Chefs-Table style documentary chronicling a remarkable collaboration with Grand Wailea in Hawaii. In August of 2019, she initiated a nationwide tour adopting a “TED Talks” style forum to explore trade issues and trade conversations through the lens of Pinot Noir. Dubbed “Pinot Talks,” the KB team hosted spirited tastings and discussions in multiple cities around the U.S. When the Pandemic halted the Pinot Talks tour, Sanz gathered her team and swiftly pivoted, launching the “KB Kitchen Series,” an internet TV show in collaboration with Top Chef contestants, benefiting independent restaurants in partnership with the James Beard Foundation.
Sanz holds an MBA in Wine Business from Sonoma State University, a B.S. in Neuropsychology and a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of California, San Diego; she is a Certified Sommelier, and she is currently pursuing her WSET Diploma in preparation for the Masters of Wine (MW) entrance exam. Based at the winery in Sebastopol, and living in Bodega Bay, Ca. and spends her personal time listening to music, snowboarding in Lake Tahoe, practicing yoga, backpacking, camping on the coast, and obsessing over the diversity of Pinot Noir, Grower Champagne, and delicious global cheeses.
As the Vice President and General Manager for Kosta Browne, Canvasback and Goldeneye Neil Bernardi oversees all aspects of the wineries winemaking programs. In this pivotal position, Neil guides the winemakers for Goldeneye, Canvasback, and Kosta Browne to chart the stylistic direction for each winery, and to extract a profound sense of place from every wine. This process begins in the vineyards, where Neil collaborates with the estate vineyard team to help oversee several hundred vine acres in Sonoma County, Anderson Valley and Washington State’s Red Mountain. Neil also contributes his knowledge and experience to the efforts of the grower relations team, which guides vineyard selection and viticultural practices in numerous appellations to provide each winery its own focused winegrowing program.
Neil was born and raised in Northern California. After living briefly in Florence, Italy, he attended UC Davis to study Italian. At Davis, Neil fell in love with winemaking, and soon expanded his studies to include enology and viticulture, including three years spent in the lab of renowned sensory scientist Dr. Ann Noble. After earning his B.A. in Italian and B.S. in viticulture and enology, Neil went to New Zealand to deepen his understanding of winemaking and the affects of geography and climate on grape growing. There, he worked as part of the winemaking team for three highly regarded wineries: Saint Clair Estate, Cape Campbell Wines and Kim Crawford. In California, Neil has held positions at Quintessa and at Littorai, where he was the associate winemaker for Ted Lemon.
Since joining The Duckhorn Portfolio in 2005, Neil has held numerous key positions, including tenures as the assistant winemaker for both Goldeneye and Migration, winemaker for Migration, and as the general manager for Sonoma County winegrowing. Neil has contributed greatly to The Duckhorn Portfolio’s success, establishing Migration in the upper echelons of New World Chardonnay and Pinot Noir producers. As the architect of The Duckhorn Portfolio’s Sonoma County winegrowing program, Neil played an integral role in establishing a Sonoma County estate presence for the company, and expanded the Sonoma grower program to encompass multiple top appellations and renowned growers.
“Neil has always been an incredibly talented winemaker,” says CEO and President Alex Ryan. “He has emerged as a tireless, forward-thinking and positive force in the evolution of our company. While he respects the legacy and ideals that have guided us throughout our first four decades, he also possesses the vision necessary to help lead us in the decades to come.”
In 2018, Neil was recognized by Wine Enthusiast Magazine as one of the “trailblazers who are shaping the future of wine in America,” when he was named a “Top 40 Under 40 Tastemaker.”
Julien Howsepian has earned renown for creating elegant and intense wines prized for their thoughtful complexity, character and soul. As Head Winemaker, he continues Kosta Browne’s two-decade legacy of crafting California’s benchmark Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs.
Kosta Browne has established a reputation as one of the world’s most revered wineries, and a beacon of excellence in New World Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Building on the accomplishments of former Co-founder Michael Browne and Winemaker Nico Cueva, Julien Howsepian leads Kosta Browne’s winemaking, overseeing an acclaimed program that features almost 40 of California’s greatest vineyards.
A first-generation American, Julien was born into a family with a French father and a Dutch mother who inspired in him an early love of wine. Raised in Northern California’s Bay Area, Julien regularly traveled to France to visit family, including relatives in the wine industry. These early visits kindled Julien’s appreciation for the culture of wine and led him to UC Davis, where he earned a degree in viticulture and enology. Before joining Kosta Browne, Julien gained invaluable hands-on experience at several venerable California estates and in New Zealand’s acclaimed Hawke’s Bay region.
Julien impressed Michael Browne while working as a harvest intern during the 2012 vintage and was rewarded with a coveted full-time position following harvest. Working alongside Michael and Nico, Julien spent the next several vintages establishing himself as an invaluable member of the Kosta Browne team. With a meticulous, detail-oriented approach to winemaking and a love of blending, Julien was rapidly promoted from production assistant to cellar master to assistant winemaker.
“Working alongside Michael and Nico for seven years, I learned the Kosta Browne way from the ground up,” says Julien. “Michael brought an absolute clarity of vision to his winemaking that continues to define us. He also established a culture that empowers our team to achieve that vision. As a mentor and friend, Nico also had a profound influence on me. He taught me to appreciate the science of winemaking, but also to push the envelope, understanding that truly compelling wines go beyond chemistry. Extraordinary wines reflect the interconnectedness of many factors—the vineyard, the season, the grapes, and the people who make the wine. Understanding how these elements work together is the essence of great wine.”
A winemaker who balances intellectual curiosity with a deep passion for Pinot Noir, Julien relishes the opportunity to coax the full potential from every vineyard. “My dream has always been to make world-class wines,” adds Julien. “As a winemaker, it is both humbling and a gift to work with such amazing vineyards. Each one has a fascinating story to tell. For two decades, Kosta Browne has been dedicated to telling these stories. To build on this legacy is an honor and a privilege.” A lifelong athlete and nature lover, Julien lives with his wife and young son in the heart of wine country.
Unshackled from geographic constraints, this is a wine that comes straight from the heart of our winemaking team. 4-Barrel is a singular wine, the components of which change each year but whose promise and reason for being remain the same – a winemaker’s pledge to unearth a remarkable story from each vintage. The best blend we can craft from four special barrels with no vineyard or appellation restrictions.
Crafted using the most exceptional barrels of wine from the Mt. Carmel, Giusti, Garys’ and Kanzler vineyards, this monumental Pinot Noir is a symphony for the senses, combining elegance and intensity, with pure, radiant layers of red apple, black cherry, sagebrush, lavender, and crème brulée. Sleek and powerful, it seamlessly marries the suave textural depth of Mt. Carmel, the robust richness of Garys’ Vineyard, the acidic tension and intensity of Giusti, and the seductive harmony of Kanzler, resulting in an epic, age-worthy wine from a benchmark vintage.
VINEYARD Guisti Ranch, Garys’ Vineyard, Mt. Carmel, Kanzler Vineyard
CLONES 115,777, Pisoni, 828
FERMENTATION 50% stainless steel / 50% concrete fermentation
AGING 75% new French oak for 17 months
ALCOHOL 14.3%
pH 3.48
TA 5.83 g/L
NOSE Pure and lifted lavender florals infused with red apple, black cherries, and sagebrush.
MOUTH Commanding, yet also classically elegant. Sleek and toned structure with a thoughtful finish.
Gap’s Crown is considered by many to be one of the best representations of what the Petaluma Gap AVA, the southern component of Sonoma Coast, 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.
Sweeping vineyards with dramatic elevation changes and clonal variety define this exemplary site. Each year, this Pinot Noir dazzles with its stunning purity and lush flavors—and 2018 is no exception. From its mouthwatering tension to its seductive, flowing flavors of blueberry, blackberry pie, and honeycomb, this is classic Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. To capture the site’s vibrancy, the majority of the wine was fermented in stainless steel, with a small portion aged in concrete to enhance the wine’s irresistible mouthfeel.
