2004 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast- USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (11/11/2009)
I struggle so much with Kosta Browne Pinot Noir these days. As a budding and developing Burgundy enthusiast, this style is just so opposite of what I like in a Pinot Noir. Over the top, high alcohol craziness is not my preference but they just do something here that is really quite tasty and just makes you shake your head and kill the bottle in no time flat. So as you can see, I do like this wine quite a lot. I just can’t figure out why. In all seriousness though, it does show nice big fruit and a touch of excessive alcohol on the nose. The palate is rich and complex with spicy overtones and a nice finish. (91 pts.)
I’ve only had the '06 KB’s, but have heard great things about the '04 and '05, which is what really made them famous, and gave them the following they have had. The excessive alcohol of which you speak was very obvious on the '06’s, and for that reason, I have given up on them entirely…and have lost my spot on the waiting list.
However, I do wonder if I had waited what they might turn out to be like, and one such as this with a few years under storage shows a bit different from what I recall of the recent '06’s
I had the 06 Sonoma Coast tonight and gave it 84 points. Bland…lacks acid…alcoholic…but somehow still tastes ok. Its just not very interesting. I’d rather have a Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot or Cab to a 06 KB. Luckily I didn’t buy many 06’s.
I’m surprised the 04s held up this well for so long. They were wines that evolved so quickly, more quickly than any others I’ve drunk. But they were enjoyable young.
I think 06 cali Pinot will surprise people in how well it will age (probablly not KB though). I suspect that in the long run it will outshine both 05 and 07 as a vintage of wines that develope in the bottle.
Tom - tried an 04 Swan Trenton recently and it was still a baby
In all seriousness though, it does show nice big fruit and a touch of excessive alcohol on the nose. The palate is rich and complex with spicy overtones and a nice finish. (91 pts.)