Kosta Browne Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2019

The wait time for getting an allocation of Kosta Browne 4 Barrel Pinot Noir is 12 years. 12 years for 3 bottles of wine. Crazy– but I understand. Few wines made in America are more sought after than Kosta Browne; a winery that has a knack for making sexy, hedonistic Pinot that is almost impossible not to love at first sip. It’s also really hard to get– forget the 4 Barrel Pinot, I am talking about just their basic appellation wines.

I have 30 bottles of the newly released 2019 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir from Dan Kosta and Michael Browne– the product of what early indications looks to be a phenomenal vintage in northern California. It’s sourced from a blend of vineyards of varying exposures and soil compositions that all share the Pacific Ocean influence that follows the Russian River inland. This cooling fog keeps days and nights cool, allowing for long, slow development of aromas and flavors, crucial for making complex Pinot Noir. The 2019 is fantastic with aromas of freshly picked blue and red berries, with a touch of lavender and spice. It is super sleek and refined with bold and bright fruit and a vibrant acidity. It’s the type of class you expect from one of the best Pinot Noir producers in the world.