2017 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Gap's Crown Vineyard
Buying options
Tasting notes
I always love this site, and the team at Kosta Browne have made a killer bottle of wine with their 2017 Pinot Noir Gap's Crown Vineyard, especially remarkable in a challenging vintage like 2017. The wine saw 10% stems and 10 months in 35% new French oak, with a small amount in concrete and larger oak. Great notes of mulberries, blackberries, black cherries, violets, and spice all give way to a rich, medium to full-bodied Pinot Noir that has ripe tannins, an expansive texture, loads of charm, and great finish. It's another beautiful, beautiful wine to enjoy over the coming decade or more. 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.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2017 Pinot Noir Gap's Crown Vineyard was aged 10-19 months in several vessels: 35% new French oak, 20% concrete and 13% wooden tanks. Medium ruby, it's scented of black tea leaves, licorice, wild blackberries, dried lilac and tree bark with hints of blood orange, potpourri, saline and crushed red berry fruit. It’s medium-bodied and ultra silky with wonderful layering of pure fruits, amaro and spices, with a gentle, grainy frame and fantastic juicy freshness, finishing long and elegant. How lovely! 3,500 cases produced.
A parcel on long-term lease. Aromas of violets and blue fruit, as well as roses and rich, deep cherries and plums. Some very ripe aromas in this 2017 vintage with a soft palate and a round, smooth feel that holds well on the finish. Drink over the next six years.
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.