As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of tasting several vintages of Kosta Browne wine throughout the years. In my opinion, determining the “best” year of Kosta Browne wine is subjective and dependent on personal taste preferences. However, there are a few standout vintages that have garnered critical acclaim and are worth mentioning.
One of the most acclaimed years for Kosta Browne was 2009, which saw their Pinot Noir from the Sonoma Coast take the top spot in Wine Spectator's prestigious Top 100 Wines ranking. This recognition catapulted Kosta Browne into the spotlight and solidified their reputation as a top-notch producer of Pinot Noir.
Another noteworthy vintage is 2012, which was characterized by excellent growing conditions and produced wines with depth, complexity, and balance. The 2012 Kosta Browne Pinot Noirs showcased vibrant fruit flavors, silky tannins, and a wonderful sense of elegance.
Moving on to 2014, this vintage was marked by a warm growing season that resulted in wines with intense flavors and concentrated aromatics. The 2014 Kosta Browne Pinot Noirs displayed rich dark fruit flavors, well-integrated oak, and a velvety texture.
In recent years, the 2017 vintage has also been highly regarded. It was a year of mild weather conditions, allowing for slow and even ripening of the grapes. The resulting wines exhibit a beautiful balance of fruit, acidity, and structure, with the potential for long-term aging.
It's important to note that each vintage has its unique characteristics and can vary based on vineyard sources, winemaking techniques, and individual bottle variation. While some vintages may receive more critical acclaim than others, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific qualities one looks for in a wine.
To further assist you in exploring the different vintages of Kosta Browne, I have compiled a list of notable years and their key characteristics:
– 2009: Acclaimed vintage, Wine Spectator's No. 1 wine, expressive fruit, balanced acidity.
– 2012: Excellent growing conditions, depth, complexity, elegant fruit flavors, silky tannins.
– 2014: Warm growing season, intense flavors, concentrated aromatics, rich dark fruit, velvety texture.
– 2017: Mild weather conditions, balanced fruit, acidity, and structure, long-term aging potential.
Ultimately, the “best” year of Kosta Browne wine is subjective and will depend on individual preferences and the specific qualities one seeks in a wine. Exploring different vintages and experiencing them firsthand is the best way to discover your personal favorites.