2011 Kosta Browne Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

The 2011 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) has a bit of a darker toned than the Russian River bottling, and also firmer in its tannin. Plum, black cherry, menthol, tobacco and licorice meld together gracefully as the 2011 opens up in the glass. The combination of fruit and structure is compelling. This is a fabulous appellation-level Pinot, due in part to the vineyard blend, which in 2011 includes 40% fruit from Gap's Crown, along with Terra del Promissio and Walala. (AG)