The 2010 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is juicier, richer and rounder than the Sonoma Coast bottling tasted alongside it. Here it's the immediacy of the fruit that speaks loudest. Cinnamon, cherries, plums and mint are some of the notes that flesh out on a juicy, exuberant finish that captures the essence of Russian River Pinot. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2016. Kosta-Browne is one of those places that always seems to be buzzing with a positive vibe that is hard to fully describe, but that I am sure informs these exuberant, deeply expressive wines. I arrived for my tasting as the winery was completing their move to new, spacious digs at The Barlow, a large facility food/wine industrial park facility in Sebastopol that also houses Pax Mahle's winery plus a number of restaurants, markets, cheese shops, coffee houses and sellers of other local food specialties that will move in shortly. The Barlow is still undergoing its build out, but it will be very interesting to see how the project develops in the coming years. As for the Pinots that have made K-B so famous, the wines keep getting better and more refined with each passing vintage. One big development is the acquisition of Gaps Crown by investor Bill Price, who is also an owner of Kosta-Browne, which means that Gaps Crown now becomes essentially an estate vineyard, although I am told contracts with other growers who purchase fruit will remain in place. It-s all part of the constant energy that seems to be an essential part of K-B-s DNA. Tel. (707) 823-7430

Rich and expressive, with bold layers of ripe blueberry, plum and wild berry flavors that show touches of spice and espresso. At points open-knit, yet tightening on the finish. Best from 2013 through 2023. 4,742 cases made.??–JL??Region: California / Sonoma / Russian River Valley Select to Add