2017 Kosta Browne, Bootlegger's Hill Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, California, USA
Critics reviews
Drink 2022-2032
Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com (May 2020)
About this WINE
Kosta Browne
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is probably the most frustrating, and at times infuriating, wine grape in the world. However when it is successful, it can produce some of the most sublime wines known to man. This thin-skinned grape which grows in small, tight bunches performs well on well-drained, deepish limestone based subsoils as are found on Burgundy's Côte d'Or.
Pinot Noir is more susceptible than other varieties to over cropping - concentration and varietal character disappear rapidly if yields are excessive and yields as little as 25hl/ha are the norm for some climats of the Côte d`Or.
Because of the thinness of the skins, Pinot Noir wines are lighter in colour, body and tannins. However the best wines have grip, complexity and an intensity of fruit seldom found in wine from other grapes. Young Pinot Noir can smell almost sweet, redolent with freshly crushed raspberries, cherries and redcurrants. When mature, the best wines develop a sensuous, silky mouth feel with the fruit flavours deepening and gamey "sous-bois" nuances emerging.
The best examples are still found in Burgundy, although Pinot Noir`s key role in Champagne should not be forgotten. It is grown throughout the world with notable success in the Carneros and Russian River Valley districts of California, and the Martinborough and Central Otago regions of New Zealand.
Buying options
Add to wishlist
Description
Brought up in 45% new French oak, the 2017 Pinot Noir Bootlegger's Hill Vineyard reveals a medium ruby/translucent color as well as a complex bouquet of redcurrants, leafy herbs, damp earth, iodine, and spice. Medium to full-bodied, with an elegant texture, lots of classic Russian River spice, and outstanding length. it shows the more elegant streamlined style of the vintage, yet I suspect it's going to age gracefully. Give bottles 2-3 years and it should keep for 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.
Drink 2022-2032
Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com (May 2020)
wine at a glance
Delivery and quality guarantee