2010 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

The 2010 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast is striking in its beauty. Freshly cut flowers, mint, dark cherries, cloves and violets seem to jump from the glass. A crystalline, pure Pinot, the 2010 is loaded with energy and brightness. Though medium in body, the 2010 is all about vibrancy and nuance. This is a terrific entry-level Pinot from Kosta-Browne. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2017. 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

Vivid ruby-red. Sexy, perfumed bouquet displays dark berries, cola, smoky herbs and rose oil. Fleshy, expansive blackberry and bitter cherry flavors deliver a suave blend of richness and energy, picking up a hint of anise with air. Finishes juicy and penetrating, with an array of musky spice qualities and slow-building tannins. This wine deserves some patience.

Bright ruby. Pungent, highly aromatic red berry and cherry aromas show an array of floral, Asian spice and herb nuances. Ripe but energetic black raspberry, cherry-cola flavors show a subtle smoky earthiness and gain sweetness with air. Finishes sappy and long, with a strong whiplash of bitter cherry. (ST)