2012 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Cohn Vineyard
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Tasting notes
A rich, explosive wine, the 2012 Pinot Noir Cohn Vineyard impresses for its pure, unbridled energy. Crushed rocks, savory herbs, rose petals and red cherries are laced together in a sinewy Pinot long on class. The Kosta Brownes Pinots are typically quite overt, but the Cohn is decidedly more wiry than is the norm here. Incidentally, Cohn, a site on Westside road, was the source of Kosta Brown's first Pinot.
Critic scores
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Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
First made in 2000 (and the first commercial Pinot Noir for this estate), the 2012 Pinot Noir Cohn Vineyard is the first single-vineyard release from this vineyard since 2004. Coming from the northern most part of the Russian River Valley, it's a wonderfully complete Pinot Noir that has the classic, Russian River spice profile to go with beautifully rich, red and black fruits, licorice, toasted bread and charred earth. A full-flavored, rich and layered effort, it nevertheless stays nicely balanced, has notable freshness and terrific length. It should evolve nicely, but I see no reason to delay gratification here as it's superb today.
Deep ruby. Wild smoke- and mineral-accented aromas of dark berries and cherry pit, with succulent herb and incense qualities adding complexity. Offers deeply pitched, subtly sweet bitter cherry and black raspberry flavors, with a cola note emerging with air. Finishes with firm grip, slow-building tannins and very good spicy persistence.
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.