Kosta Browne · Russian River Valley Pinot Noir · 2023
Kosta Browne's 2023 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir layers ripe raspberry, dark cherry and black fruit with fragrant hibiscus, floral notes and a touch of vanilla. Blackberry, blueberry and plum unfold on the palate, supported by balanced acidity and refined tannins, with cocoa powder adding depth to a warm, extended finish.
Producer & Terroir
Dedicated to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Kosta Browne draws this blend from Russian River Valley vineyards including its Estate Series sites, Bootlegger's Hill and Treehouse. Coastal fog follows the river inland from the Pacific, and daily temperature shifts slow ripening, helping the grapes develop complexity while retaining freshness and balance.
The vineyard selection includes Bootlegger's Hill, Giusti Ranch, Treehouse, Winner's Circle, Zio Tony, Moonshine, Jenkins, Sundawg Ridge and Barron Ranch. Soils are mainly Goldridge loam. Nearby Graton is home to a community of writers, artisans, growers and winemakers, with local restaurants and a lively harvest season.
Winemaker Description
Kosta Browne · 2023 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
Our wines embody our relentless pursuit of crafting wines that reflect the land that defines them. The Russian River Valley, often called the heartland of California Pinot Noir, is shaped by the cooling influence of coastal fog that follows the river inland from the Pacific. These daily temperature shifts slow ripening, allowing the grapes to develop layered complexity while preserving freshness and balance.
The 2023 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir brings together a dynamic selection of vineyards, including our Estate Series sites, Bootlegger’s Hill and Treehouse Vineyard, which contribute to its character and dimension. Ripe raspberry, dark cherry, and black fruit intertwine with fragrant hibiscus, floral notes, and a touch of vanilla. The palate unfolds with blackberry, blueberry, and plum, supported by vibrant acidity and polished tannins. Hints of cocoa add depth, leading to a warm, extended finish. Aged for 16 months in a mix of French oak and foudre, followed by time in stainless steel, this wine achieves a refined balance of structure and elegance.
Expert Reviews
Wine Advocate, 93 Points · 2023 Vintage · Reviewed September 2025
The 2023 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is blended from several vineyards, including Bootlegger’s Hill, Giusti Ranch, Jenkins and Treehouse, and offers a lovely high-toned, red-fruited expression that is reflective of the cool growing season. Matured for 16 months in 40% new French oak, intense aromas of pomegranate, tangerine peel, rose petal, rooibos tea and conifer pour from the glass. The full-bodied palate is bursting with spicy red fruit flavors. It’s structured by fine, chalky tannins, and the vibrant acidity drives a long, energetic finish.
Wine Spectator, 92 Points · Reviewed September 2025 · Vintage 2024
Singed tea, apple wood and rose hip notes give this a subtly earthy edge, while the core of raspberry, black cherry and loganberry fruit shows brambly energy. Drink now through 2032.
Winemaking
Fermentation: 55% stainless steel, 25% concrete and 20% oak, with 5% whole cluster. The Zio Tony contribution fermented on skins for 20 days. Clones include 115, Mt. Eden, 37, Swan, 777, Calera, 114, 667, Pommard, 23, 828 and 2A.
Producer Élevage Notes
40% new French oak & 60% neutral oak for 16 months, 16% foudre for 16 months, then 100% of the blend was aged in stainless steel for 1 month.
Pairing Suggestions
Try with roast duck, grilled salmon or mushroom dishes to complement the wine's layered fruit and savory accents.
Details
- Producer: Kosta Browne
- Vintage: 2023
- Bottle size: 750ml
- Country: United States
- Region: California
- Appellation: Russian River Valley
- Grape: Pinot Noir
- Type: Red wine
- Soil: Mainly Goldridge loam
- Whole cluster: 5%
- Alcohol: 14.2%
- pH: 3.68
- Total acidity: 5.35 g/L
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