2017 Vintage Tasting Notes

2020 kosta browne sta rita hills pinot noir

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.

Fact of Note: Larger yields enabled higher utilization of concrete and wood fermentation vessels.

The Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir has an electronic music flair dancing out of the glass.”

Julien Howsepian, Winemaker

TA 5.8 g/L

pH 3.64

47% new French oak

Vineyard Details

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)

Technical Details

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

Tasting Notes

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.

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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.

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.

Fact of Note: 7 weeks from first and last pick within the appellation.

“There’s a high-pitched vocal energy that soars out of the glass. It’s an awe-inspiring wine.”

Julien Howsepian, Winemaker

PH 3.57

12% concrete

TA 5.84 g/L

Vineyard Details

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

Technical Details

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

Tasting Notes

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.

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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.

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.

Fact of Note: The last date to pick fruit for Sonoma Coast in 2020 was the first date of harvest in 2019.

The Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is an epic rock symphony. It’s got tons of energy and drive on the palate.”

Julien Howsepian, Winemaker

ABV 14.1%

34% new French oak

61% stainless steel

Vineyard Details

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

Technical Details

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

Tasting Notes

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.

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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.

Fact of Note: Throughout élevage, the lees were occasionally stirred to develop a rich mouthfeel.

“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

TA 6.25 g/L

21% new French oak

7% new Austrian oak

Vineyard Details

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

Technical Details

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

Tasting Notes

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.

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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.

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.

Fact of Note: Introduction of The Narrows and Confluence vineyards to the blend.

The Anderson Valley Pinot Noir is the twang of a great bluegrass tune.”

Julien Howsepian, Winemaker

pH 3.69

Alcohol 13.5%

78% stainless steel

Vineyard Details

VINEYARD Cerise, Ferrington, Gowan Creek, Confluence, and The Narrows
CLONES 2A, 115, 667, 777, Pommard
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Bearwallow complex

Technical Details

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

Tasting Notes

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.

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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.

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.

Fact of Note: Very windy year with a lot of fog.

pH 3.67

100% stainless steel fermentation

44% new French oak
13 months

Vineyard Details

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)

Technical Details

FERMENTATION 100% stainless steel
AGING 44% new French oak for 13 months
ALCOHOL 14.1%
pH 3.67
TA 5.9 g/L

Tasting Notes

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.

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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.

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.

Fact of Note: New Rousseau wood fermenters were used.

Alcohol 14.1%

pH 3.69

86% stainless steel fermentation

Vineyard Details

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

Technical Details

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

Tasting Notes

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.

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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.

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.

Fact of Note: Native fermentation.

Alcohol 13.5%

47% stainless steel
4 months

27% new French oak
14 months

Vineyard Details

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

Technical Details

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

Tasting Notes

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.

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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.

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.

Fact of Note: The clones in this blend are Pommard, Pisoni, 777 and 828.

TA 5.44 g/L

pH 3.71

52% new French oak
14 months

Vineyard Details

VINEYARD Soberanes, Sierra Mar, Pisoni, Rosella’s
CLONES Pommard, Pisoni, 777, 828
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Arroyo Seco and Chualar fine sandy loam

Technical Details

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

Tasting Notes

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.

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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.

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.

Fact of Note: Variable & mild marine layer in July created a compact vintage.

TA 5.8 g/L

2% wood fermentation

6% new Austrian oak
14 months

Vineyard Details

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

Technical Details

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

Tasting Notes

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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Experience

Appellation Series

2017 One Sixteen, Russian River Valley, Chardonnay

2017 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

2017 Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

2017 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

2017 Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

Single Vineyard Series

2017 Winemaker Series – 4-Barrel, California, Pinot Noir

2017 Thorn Ridge Ranch, Sonoma Coast, Pinot Noir

2017 Rosella’s Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, Pinot Noir

2017 Pisoni Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, Pinot Noir

2017 Koplen Vineyard, Russian River Valley, Pinot Noir

2017 Keefer Ranch, Russian River Valley, Pinot Noir

2017 Kanzler Vineyard, Sonoma Coast, Pinot Noir

2017 Giusti Ranch, Russian River Valley, Pinot Noir

2017 Garys’ Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, Pinot Noir

2017 Gap’s Crown Vineyard, Sonoma Coast, Pinot Noir

2017 El Diablo, Russian River Valley, Chardonnay

Estate Series

2017 Treehouse Vineyard, Russian River Valley, Pinot Noir

2017 Cerise Vineyard, Anderson Valley, Pinot Noir

2017 Cerise Vineyard, Anderson Valley, Chardonnay

2017 Bootlegger’s Hill, Russian River Valley, Pinot Noir

2017 Bootlegger’s Hill, Russian River Valley, Chardonnay

Observations Series

2017 Mt. Carmel, Sta. Rita Hills, Pinot Noir

2017 Laguna, Russian River Valley, Chardonnay

2017 Free James, Sonoma Coast, Pinot Noir

2017 Charles Ranch, Sonoma Coast, Chardonnay

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