The 2008 vintage of Kosta Browne Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is a blend of three vineyards. Two of the vineyards, "Gap’s Crown" and "Terra de Promissio", are located in the southern portion of the Sonoma Coast appellation lying directly in the path of the Petaluma Gap’s cooling influence. The third component is a new addition from the northwestern reaches near Annapolis, Walala. The wine was aged in French oak barrels (44% new) for a total of 16 months. It was bottled just a few months ago on January 25, 2010. Really it's about as young as you could possibly imagine drinking it. However, I wanted to spread the word and was anxious to see if the quality still remains despite the recent business transactions with the sale of the label.
On the nose I get powerful wild strawberry and raspberry notes, combined with a meaty and smokey type element that reminds me of beef jerky. There is also a slight hint of mineral, crushed rock, cocoa powder, and herb.
On the palate the wine has a very razor-like acidity and powerful intensity. There's a nice, heavy dose of red raspberry sauce with crushed stone minerality, and hints of sage. I immediately notice the alcohol on this wine, which suggests that perhaps the wine needs a few years in the bottle to calm down and for the flavors to meld together properly. The tannins are young, firm, and refined, and the wine finishes leaving your palate dry and full of fruit flavor.
Although I feel that this wine may drastically improve with cellar time, I do think that right now it's showing a bit poorly. It's true to the varietal character, and the fruit is delicious and intense, but the alcohol is completely overwhelming this wine. Will it get better when the alcohol is currently out of balance?? Not sure......Just not sure..... 86 points
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