2012 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Giusti Ranch
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Tasting notes
The 2012 Pinot Noir Giusti Ranch, from an early-ripening site in the Russian River Valley, is rich and exuberant to the core. Clovers, violets, menthol, smoke and cloves wrap around a core of dark, inky fruit. I imagine the 2012 will drink well for a number of years, but I would prefer to enjoy it on the young side, while the fruit retains its juiciness. This site in Forestville was founded by Italian immigrants in the 1870s.
Critic scores
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Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
I believe a new vineyard, the 2012 Pinot Noir Giusti Vineyard, shares some similarities to the the Koplen Vineyard, with its intense, focused style. Showing plenty of plum, licorice, toasted spices (cinnamon) and hints of vanilla bean, this beauty flows onto the palate with no hard edges, beautiful mid-palate density and a focused, lengthy feel on the finish. Nothing is out of place here, and it's a rock-star bottle of wine that can be consumed anytime over the coming 4-6 years.
Vivid ruby. Aromas of black raspberry, incense and cola, with a bright mineral note adding lift. On the palate, vibrant red and dark berry flavors deepen with air while retaining very good clarity. Firms up on the penetrating finish, which features youthfully chewy tannins and a whiplash of bitter cherry.
About the producer
Kosta Browne is one of California's most acclaimed wineries, renowned for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that express the character of top vineyard sites across Sonoma and beyond. Combining meticulous sourcing with thoughtful winemaking, the wines offer richness, precision, and remarkable sense of place.