2011 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Pisoni Vineyard
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The 2011 Pinot Noir Pisoni Vineyard is the firmest and most tannic of the four Kosta Browne Santa Lucia Highlands Pinots. Dark red cherries, plums, menthol, licorice and new leather flesh out in an imposing, broad-shouldered wine built on structure. This is an impressive showing considering how challenging 2011 was in the Santa Lucia Highlands.
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Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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The most classic of the lineup, the 2011 Pinot Noir Pisoni Vineyard is a beautifully complete Pinot Noir. Offering up notions of forest floor, red currants, dried leaves and assorted spice-driven qualities on the nose, it flows onto the palate with a seamless, polished profile that carries considerable heft and richness, without ever seeming clumsy or heavy. It should hit prime drinking in another 2-3 years and hold for a decade after that. Drink 2015-2025. This was a pretty, elegant lineup of wines by owners/winemakers Dan Kosta and Michael Browne. Tel. (707) 823-7430; www.kostabrowne.com
Kosta Browne's 2011 Pinot Noir Pisoni Vineyard is everything Pisoni Pinot is supposed to be. Rich, layered and deeply expressive, the 2011 flows across the palate with intense dark cherry and plum nuances. Cloves, menthol, licorice and melted road tar add both complexity and depth. The 2011 is a bit lithe because of the cool vintage, but all the vineyard signatures are very much present.
Dark ruby. A sexy, intensely perfumed bouquet evokes dark berry liqueur, potpourri, vanilla and candied licorice. Potent, palate-staining black raspberry and cherry compote flavors are enlivened by juicy acidity and become spicier with air. Sweet and precise on the strikingly persistent finish, which features silky tannins and a lingering floral quality. Very suave and surprisingly approachable right now.
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.