2019 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Gap's Crown Vineyard

Sourced from an esteemed site in the Petaluma Gap, the 2019 Pinot Noir Gap's Crown Vineyard is layered with a sweet perfume of kirsch, a hint of blue fruit, and violets. The richly textured palate is ripe with cherry and baking spice. Founded by Dan Kosta and Michael Browne in 2001, today Kosta Browne is a part of the Duckhorn portfolio of wines. Winemaker Julien Howsepian, who has taken over from Nico Cueva, has been involved with the winery since 2012, when he had worked a harvest and subsequently became a full-time member of the team, working alongside Michael and Nico. Though the wines are still expressive of a full style, there has been some dialing back on ripeness over the past several years. Their reach has expanded in terms of regionality, but they continue to work exclusively with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

The 2019 Pinot Noir Gap's Crown Vineyard is drinking beautifully, with expressive aromas of red cherries, amaro and tobacco leaves. The medium-bodied palate offers a fantastic intensity-to-weight ratio; its abundant fruits are supported by fine, chocolaty tannins and seamless freshness, and it finishes long and layered.