2007, 2009, 2012 West Coast Pinot Noir Tasting Lot

“Bright and jazzy, with a lively feel to the racy raspberry and red plum flavors, hinting at sweet spices as the finish lingers. (HS)” (02/2011)

“This is ripe but attractively fresh with briar and floral hints on the mostly dark pinot fruit suffused nose. There is good depth to the silky and admirably pure middle weight flavors that possess good phenolic maturity to the supporting structural elements, all wrapped in a clean, agreeably dry and austere finish. This will not be for everyone as the austerity is not subtle but I very much like the linear, focused and well-balanced finale. (AM)” (04/2012)

“Similarly styled (to the 2010), the 2012 Pinot Noir Gap’s Crown has plenty of charred spices, plum, licorice, scorched earth and dried flowers to go with a medium to full-bodied, rich, yet nicely focused style on the palate. (JD)” (10/2014)

“The 2012 Pinot Noir Gap's Crown Vineyard is deep, dense and beautifully layered throughout. Pliant and resonant, the Gaps Crown is above all else a wine of texture. Dark red cherry and plum notes flesh out in a voluptuous, racy Pinot that captures the essence of this site and the vintage. Silky tannins support the gracious, resonant finish. (AG)” (01/2015)

“When at their best, Kosta Browne Pinots have an uncanny ability to capture great fruity richness while being very structured at the same time. This one does just that, and it delivers an absolute wealth of very deep, gregariously energetic, young fruit, and, while not shying away from ripeness, it is not overly beholden to the same. It sports a fine spine of tannin for aging and grip, and it shows early signs of polish that point the way to very good things ahead.” (07/2014)

“Vivid ruby-red. Deeper in pitch and darker in character than the Kanzler, displaying scents of blackberry, violet and licorice. Smoky mineral and spice notes lift dark berry liqueur and floral pastille flavors, with a cola nuance emerging on the back half. Rich yet lively pinot, with excellent finishing focus and length and lingering floral character. (ST)” (05/2014)

“Exhibiting rich dark berry, raspberry, mocha and savory herb notes, this is very complex and well-built, with firm, fine-grained tannins that give the flavors traction. (JL)” (09/2014)