What’s unusual about this iteration of Pinot from Kosta Browne is that it really straddles the line between an earthy mineral driven Pinot noir, and a more traditional California style of bright strawberry and bright red fruits. Perhaps that’s no surprise as the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA has enough diverse soils to produce intriguing fruit and diurnal swings due to its close proximity to the Pacific Ocean. This Pinot works and works very well. Yes, there is the raspberry compote, black cherry light strawberry, rhubarb, and lingonberry but equal to that is light green tea leaf, minerality, subversive acidity and an earthy quality one could describe as damp forest floor. Fermentation was completed in a combination of oak, concrete and stainless steel, giving this a very tactile expression. Oak aging was fairly minimal, allowing the intricate layers of flavors to fully develop, making this an easy to drink Pinot, and one that will pair well with a diversity of foods. ORIGIN: Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County. ALCOHOL: 14.1%
