2010 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Kanzler Vineyard
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Tasting notes
458 c/s produced. Kanzler Vineyard, a former apple orchard planted in 1996 by Steve and Lynda Kanzler, is located near the edge of the Petaluma Gap land channel known as the Sebastopol Hills, which is a microclimate characterized by morning and evening fog, breezy afternoons and bright, but mild afternoon sun. Usually the last to be harvested for Pinot Noir. Clones 115, 667 and Pommard. 5 days' cold soak, 6% whole cluster, fermented in 1-ton bins. 16 months in French oak, 59% new. pH 3.69. Bizarre heat streak in August, giving some raisining, which some producers selected out. Deeper crimson than many. Not very expressive at first, just a little stemmy, but opens out. Stemmy on the palate too with the tannins lightly grainy. Plenty of oak spice on the palate. More savoury than fruity, relatively powerful. Firm. Moreish length. (JH)
Critic scores
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The character of the Sonoma Coast comes through in the 2010 Pinot Noir Kanzler Vineyard. Bright, chiseled and focused, the 2010 impresses for its energy and vibrancy. Slightly gamy at times, the Kanzler boasts great balance, complexity and class. The addition of a small amount of whole clusters adds aromatic lift on the finish. This is another terrific showing from Kosta-Browne.
The character of the Sonoma Coast comes through in the 2010 Pinot Noir Kanzler Vineyard. Bright, chiseled and focused, the 2010 impresses for its energy and vibrancy. Slightly gamy at times, the Kanzler boasts great balance, complexity and class. The addition of a small amount of whole clusters adds aromatic lift on the finish. This is another terrific showing from Kosta-Browne. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018. Kosta-Browne is one of those places that always seems to be buzzing with a positive vibe that is hard to fully describe, but that I am sure informs these exuberant, deeply expressive wines. I arrived for my tasting as the winery was completing their move to new, spacious digs at The Barlow, a large facility food/wine industrial park facility in Sebastopol that also houses Pax Mahle's winery plus a number of restaurants, markets, cheese shops, coffee houses and sellers of other local food specialties that will move in shortly. The Barlow is still undergoing its build out, but it will be very interesting to see how the project develops in the coming years. As for the Pinots that have made K-B so famous, the wines keep getting better and more refined with each passing vintage. One big development is the acquisition of Gaps Crown by investor Bill Price, who is also an owner of Kosta-Browne, which means that Gaps Crown now becomes essentially an estate vineyard, although I am told contracts with other growers who purchase fruit will remain in place. It-s all part of the constant energy that seems to be an essential part of K-B-s DNA. Tel. (707) 823-7430
Bright red. Aromas of fresh red berries, cherry pit, cola and peppery spices. Vibrant and light on its feet, offering intense raspberry and bitter cherry flavors and an exotic rose pastille nuance. Finishes with very good tangy cut and excellent floral persistence. This sexy wine is delicious right now.
About the producer
Kosta Browne is one of California's most acclaimed wineries, renowned for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that express the character of top vineyard sites across Sonoma and beyond. Combining meticulous sourcing with thoughtful winemaking, the wines offer richness, precision, and remarkable sense of place.