2017 & 2020 Kosta Browne "Gap's Crown Vineyard" Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

“I always love this site, and the team at Kosta Browne have made a killer bottle of wine with their 2017 Pinot Noir Gap's Crown Vineyard, especially remarkable in a challenging vintage like 2017. The wine saw 10% stems and 10 months in 35% new French oak, with a small amount in concrete and larger oak. Great notes of mulberries, blackberries, black cherries, violets, and spice all give way to a rich, medium to full-bodied Pinot Noir that has ripe tannins, an expansive texture, loads of charm, and great finish.” (05/2020)

“The 2017 Pinot Noir Gap's Crown Vineyard was aged 10-19 months in several vessels: 35% new French oak, 20% concrete and 13% wooden tanks. Medium ruby, it's scented of black tea leaves, licorice, wild blackberries, dried lilac and tree bark with hints of blood orange, potpourri, saline and crushed red berry fruit. It’s medium-bodied and ultra silky with wonderful layering of pure fruits, amaro and spices, with a gentle, grainy frame and fantastic juicy freshness, finishing long and elegant. How lovely! (EB)” (12/2019)

“Soft blue fruit, orange tea and rhubarb make for an exotic, tangy and beguiling experience on the palate of this explosive, focused and freshly crisp wine from the famous site. Soft and seductive in texture, it has complexity around rich layers of balanced spice and earthiness. (VB)” (05/2020)

“A parcel on long-term lease. Aromas of violets and blue fruit, as well as roses and rich, deep cherries and plums. Some very ripe aromas in this 2017 vintage with a soft palate and a round, smooth feel that holds well on the finish.” (09/2019)

“I really love the wines from this site. Taking on more purity and freshness, the 2020 Pinot Noir Gap's Crown Vineyard opens with aromas of raspberry liqueur, candied roses, and mentholated herbs. Medium-bodied, with good tension and packed with great energy, there’s a refreshing nature to this wine, which offers notes of fresh tangerine, grenadine, and cinnamon, fine tannins, and a good bit of minerality in its texture. This is my favorite wine in this lineup from Kosta Browne. Drink 2024-2040. (AF)” (07/2023)

“Lovely depth of fruit and beauty to this, with crushed-strawberry, hazelnut and floral undertones. Full and deep. White pepper and cloves at the end. (JG)” (10/2022)

“This versatile, well-balanced and attractive wine can be enjoyed now for its elegant, moderately tannic texture and fresh red and black cherry flavors, or saved for a future dinner party. (JG)” (05/2023)

“Lovely coastal cool infuses everything about this wine. Its berry scent and black-cherry flavors have a cool and crunchy forest fruit character without being excessively green. Picked at the right moment of ripeness, the fruit lasts with a rose fragrance, open and airy. (JG)” (02/2023)