Kosta Browne - Prestigious California winery – dedicated to crafting world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay – celebrated for its artistry, precision, and bold flavors.

2018

Laguna Valdez Vineyard

Chardonnay

VINEYARD DETAILS

VINEYARD Laguna Valdez, Russian River Valley AVA

CLONES Calera, Wente, Batto 

ORIENTATION Northeast / Southwest 

TRELLISING Quad cane 

SOIL Goldridg

2018 Laguna Valdez Vineyard Chardonnay - Kosta Browne - Prestigious California winery – dedicated to crafting world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay – celebrated for its artistry, precision, and bold flavors.

TECHNICAL DETAILS

FERMENTATION 76% Barrel, 24% foudre 

OAK 56% new French oak barrel for 14 months, 13% new Austrian oak for 14 months 

ALCOHOL 14.4% 

 pH 3.23 

 TA 6.86 g/L

TASTING NOTES

AROMA

 Pronounced, with alluring aromas of orange and hawthorn blossoms and honeyed pears, followed by captivating undertones of toasted nuts, cream, and wet stone.

PALATE

Exhilarating with vibrant acidity, precise freshness, and unequivocal balance. Layers of Jonagold apples, caramel, and crème brûlée unite, bringing the wine to a dramatic finish.

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OBSERVATIONS SERIES

2018 Laguna Valdez Vineyard Chardonnay

Ulises Valdez migrated to the U.S. as a young teenager, and through dedication and hard work, he became one of Northern California’s most iconic growers. His commitment to excellence in the vineyard was unparalleled, and we are honored to showcase a focused representation of this remarkable site within this wine series.

To craft an uncommonly nuanced and seductive Chardonnay, we fermented the majority of this wine in puncheons and a 600-gallon foudre, which was laid on its side to increase lees contact. These large-format vessels enhanced the wine’s freshness, minerality, and orchard fruit flavors, while the horizontal foudre provided an opulent textural foundation.

Fact of Note: 40% aged in puncheons.

OBSERVATIONS SERIES
2018 Laguna Valdez Vineyard Chardonnay - Kosta Browne - Prestigious California winery – dedicated to crafting world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay – celebrated for its artistry, precision, and bold flavors.
russian river valley, CALIFORNIA

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.