2007 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast- USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (10/31/2009)
I had a week from hell and decided to break out one of the “treasured” few that I was able to bum off of my brother Ken as I have not made the list yet. Some would think this needed more time, but all it needs is some air. Took to a restaurant and popped and poured. The first pour was tight and if that is how the wine stayed, it would have been a mediocre 85. However, we had patience and within 20 minutes it started to sing and by the time the main courses came, it was like a chorus! Jammy fruit, cola notes leading to a beautiful finish. (93 pts.)
Thanks, Bruce. I believe this is the first TN I’ve seen on the '07 KB’s. I skipped my allocation (and obviously fell off the list thereafter) for the '07 vintage because of my disappointment with the '06’s, but it doesn’t sound like the issues that were prevalent with the '06’s are present on the '07’s
Frenchenstein, there is a small cadre of notes on the wine in CT, but not too many for this stage. I got a couple on the wine and to Bruce’s point and high marks, on this wine, I do agree:
2007 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Kanzler Vineyard- USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (8/15/2009) OC KB and Shane Dinner–With Michael Browne and Shane Finley (The Murray Casa): So if the Koplen is seductive, this is even moreso. It’s stuffed and packed. Pure, long , big flash and dense. Richness, probably the most rich of all the 2007s. This wine in the flight followed the Koplen and I still prefer the Koplen. Why? I think the Koplen shows more complex edges, a broader expression of the fruit but look, don’t take this as a knock on the Kanzler here, as I think the Kanzler probably will win more acclaim, more high marks because it will flash fry your pants off, it’s so flashy and seductive. Take this bottle out if you really want to show someone what CA pinot can do on all cylinders (and for anyone looking for heat or to knock this as too ripe, forget it…that won’t fly here). Delicious.
Frank and Todd:
I have thoroughly enjoyed most of the 07 Sonoma Coast blends. Sojourn made a killer blend as well. I am glad I have another KB 07 Sonoma Coast and a couple of the 07 RRV blends.
I did the same thing. The combination of lesser vintage and yet another price increase led me to pass on the appellation wines. I have fond memories of the 03 SC at $28.
Definitely their best vintage to date, for my tastes … but the prices are creeping up. Rochioli SVDs or KB? Going to become a hard call for me next year.
FYI, I have gone through 5 Sojourn Sonoma Coast pinot bottles so far - and every one a winner. Decided to try a 2007 Sangiocomo Friday night. Pop and pour, and not quite ready yet - even to drink as a young’n. An hour later, the same. Same after hours 2 and 3. Started to come around during hour 4, but not in as good a place as the Sonoma Coast for current consumption by my judgement. Seemed to be resolving itself right now. A better wine than the SC, but I would hold for now.
After selling for $45 million, you’ll be lucky to see any KBs south of $75 in the future, maybe even south of $100. The new investors have to earn back that money somehow.
Frank, I’ve had the 07 Kanzler, and found it way too sweet and jammy. But that’s a personal thing. Some people like the jammy fruit, cola thing, in pinots others don’t.
At a Pinot Posse Dinner I attended, the chef presented this wine as a dessert wine to compliment his dessert. That was a huge statement.
That '03 SC is what turned me onto KB wines in the first place. I dropped off the list last year too despite the glowing reports from the barrel because KB wines do not appear to be aging particularly well and because the prices have continually gone up. We’ll see what happens with prices with the recent “sale” of KB to investors-- can’t imagine the prices will not go up further. That said, if I find this wine at a good price, I may have to try one for “academic” purposes!