2012 Kosta Browne "Giusti Ranch" Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

The 2012 Pinot Noir Giusti Ranch, from an early-ripening site in the Russian River Valley, is rich and exuberant to the core. Clovers, violets, menthol, smoke and cloves wrap around a core of dark, inky fruit. I imagine the 2012 will drink well for a number of years, but I would prefer to enjoy it on the young side, while the fruit retains its juiciness. This site in Forestville was founded by Italian immigrants in the 1870s. (AG)