2012 Kosta Browne "Koplen Vineyard" Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

The 2012 Pinot Noir Koplen Vineyard has an edgy, vibrant feel with its plum and sweet black cherry fruits, charred spices and licorice giving way to hints of spring flowers and mint. Layered, beautifully pure and defined, with bight, yet integrated acidity, it needs another year in the cellar, and will impress through 2020. This was another stacked lineup by the team of Dan Kosta and Michael Browne. All of these wines showed the more approachable style of the 2012 vintage, and had seamless, elegant characters. They're beautiful now, but I suspect they will evolve nicely given their overall balance. (JD)