2023 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
A supremely savory wine, the 2023 Pinot Noir blends grapes from Cerise, Knez, and Demuth, the clones a big mix that includes Swan, 2A, and Calera. Rose petal, forest floor, and dried herb accent a medium-bodied palate of chalky tannins that melt easily, with modest weight but impressive length and breadth. Fermentation took place in a majority of stainless steel with 30% oak and 10% concrete, with aging in mostly neutral French oak followed by stainless steel. Altogether this is a substantial yet elegant wine of impressive finesse and understated power that should be enjoyed best 2028-2035.
Critic scores
Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate
Virginie Boone, jebdunnuck.com
More reviews and scores
The 2023 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) is a classic wine from this part of Sonoma County. A blend of several of the sites Kosta Browne works with, the 2023 fleshes out in the glass with plush, well-defined berry fruit, rose petal, lavender and graphite. It’s sophisticated and quite classy, with lovely bright acids that remain soft and well integrated through and through, no doubt aided by the inclusion of 5% whole clusters. The precision and balance here is excellent, as is the long finish that prompted me to raise my score by a point.
The 2023 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast was matured for 16 months in 40% new French oak. It has slowly opening scents of wild berry fruit, tobacco, black tea, violet and bitters. The full-bodied palate features expressive, layered flavors. It’s framed by silky tannins and vibrant acidity and has a long, spicy finish.
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.