2017 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Treehouse Vineyard

From a great site in the Russian River Valley and just about all destemmed and aged 16 months in 55% new French oak, the 2017 Pinot Noir Treehouse Vineyard reveals a slightly deeper ruby/purple hue as well as more black cherry and slightly darker fruits that give way to more spice, violet, bouquet garni, and white flower notes with time in the glass. Medium to full-bodied and balanced, with ripe tannins and a classic Burgundian style, it's another stunning Pinot Noir from this estate that can be drunk today or cellared for over a decade. 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.

Aged 16 months in 31% new French and 3% new Austrian oak, the medium ruby-purple colored 2017 Pinot Noir Treehouse Vineyard opens with a youthful framing of oak spices, giving up spiced red cherries and berries, potpourri, violet and an earthy streak. The palate is medium to full-bodied and powerfully flavored, with loads of spiced red and black fruits and earthy touches framed by finely grained tannins, finishing long and lifted. 1,250 cases produced.

This sits on the top of a knoll with warm daytime temperatures and cool nights and mornings. The soils are rich in ironstone. This is a powerful wine that has very direct, driving tannins that deliver rich, ripe red-cherry and dark-fruit flavors. Athletic. The richness and juicy allure here is stunning, as is the deep, fleshy cherry flavor on the finish. Glossy tannin texture. Drink or hold.