2018 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

Medium ruby, the 2018 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley opens up with classic red and black cherry fruit accented by touches of rhubarb, fragrant earth, tea leaves and Angostura bitters. The palate is medium-bodied, silky, expansive and spicy, finishing long and juicy. Fruit comes from at least a dozen vineyards across the appellation. (EB)

Coming about 30% to 40% from Gap's Crown this vintage, the 2018 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast has very pretty, sweet berry fruits—strawberries, raspberries, rhubarb—with accents of tea leaves, dried flowers and fragrant earth. The medium-bodied palate has a great dichotomy of classic Pinot Noir fruit and amaro-like bitterness, juicy, soft and sexy with a long, spicy finish. Lovely!

Brought up mostly in French oak, with a small amount in concrete, the 2018 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast has that classic Sonoma Coast pretty red fruit-driven style as well as subtle white flower, spice, and even a kiss of minerality. It's beautifully balanced and medium-bodied, with an elegant, ethereal style that still has solid structure. It will drink well for a decade. Another estate that has changed their style (for the better, I think), Kosta Browne’s latest 2018s have beautiful purity and elegance as well as richness. They’re certainly in the top handful of wines in this report.