This is at its peak (from our cellar). Huge California pinot, in-your-face, but still tastes like pinot rather than,say, syrah.... lots of fun, well balanced even with its high alcohol... aw hell, what's not to like? If'n you want subtlety, go elsewhere... :)
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We found this Pinot to be a bit weak. It's very jammie for a Pinot. It doesn't have classic Pinot qualities. My wife loved it because it was Jammie. She ranked it a 91 and I gave it a 88
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Opened and decanted for about an hour and a half, double decanted back into the bottle and then served around the five hour mark. Garnet to dark garnet color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Nose of roses, Kirsch, talc and berries. Flavors of berries and cherries. Little light on the palate compared to the previous bottle. Light to medium acidity, resolved tannins, medium body. Drink now. Definitely better than the 2003 Koplen we had last week. My last bottle.
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Much different from my first bottle 5 years ago. Agree with bourbon notes. Dark thick and brooding. Not much on the nose. Hot with great fruit on the palate.
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Enjoyed this one at John Ash & Co. with my family and an '07 KB Amber Ridge. Was great to drink these two wines side by side. We decanted the '03 for an hour before jumping into it. It was deep and dark and in that earlier and more luscious KB style, but very very good. Still had a ton of youthful fruit on both the nose and the palate. I was both pleased and impressed that this wine had so much life in it and so much enjoyment to give.
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Last night Traci cooked a parmesan crusted pork chop with roasted sweet potato and steamed broccoli. She also decided to serve this blind to me and in Riedel Extreme Cab glasses to throw me off a little. Initially I took the bait and said this tasted like Cab...well it did. The nose was initially fairly shy but a little coaxing started to show some red currant and a little cedar. The palate was also showing plenty of red fruit but seemed to lack the tannin that I would expect from a Cab throwing my initial thought into doubt.
I continue to swirl sniff and taste to figure it out and it was becoming apparent this was a Pinot Noir although fairly tough to figure out from where. The nose started to show more red currants, some anise and a little bit of underbrush (traci also felt a little bit of heat but I didn't notice it). The palate was a little chalky with more red fruits, a little wet stone quality, a little chocolate/spice from the oak (the oak showed a little but was not obtrusive/offensive in any way). Still a little young tasting but given the fruit forward nature of the wine, I felt it was possibly a 2006 Pinot Noir. Not from SLH or Santa Rita Hills - lacked the citrus I get from SLH and the bitterness I get from SRHills. But didn't scream RRV or SC either...now I know why since this is a blend of vineyards from the Sonoma Coast (really Petaluma Gap) and the RRV. In all, a very good wine that just doesn't quite have the complexity to hit the 90's - at least that bottle. I did have a bottle earlier in the year that was a couple points better.
Disclaimer: I worked at Kosta Browne for 1 1/2 years and still consider Dan & Michael friends.
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Appealing, sophisticated nose of cola, black and red fruits, planky oak, anise, a little stony earth and spice cake. Full and silky on the palate with dense black raspberry fruit, a briary edge and an interesting stony element. The spicy finish shows a nice grip and acid spine with just the very slightest heat. Not a style I seek out but very well executed. Drink now before the alcohol becomes more noticeable.
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Enticing nose of dark fruit, bitter chocolate, xmas spice, mushroom and anise. There is also a hint of bourbon. Fat and full on the palate with added red fruits, spice, vanilla and a dark woodsy element. A little prickly on the finish, spice, cumin, a meaty note and that hint of bourbon again. This hedonistic wine has integrated its oak well. I do find the heat a negative though.
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Big Pinot and not for those who are looking for a Burgundian style. This KB seems to be integrating and come into balance. It needs some protein and spice to tame it.
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Took a bottle to a neighborhood holiday party. Had one "plastic cup" of this upon opening. Surprising to see that the wine is taming down. I'll hold the last two for a while and taste in a better setting with a proper stem. Still big and bold. That will not change.
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Significantly different than 2 years ago. Decanted 2 hours. Clear violet red. The explosive nose of 2 years ago has all but shut down. Now showing some cherries, cola, asian spice, vanilla and etoh (to a distracting degree). Palate is still lush and creamy, but the acidic backbone and layered flavors have receded to be replaced by heat. Had with veal chops and Vesuvio potatoes. Was okay. But when I saw Nancy sort of set aside her glass, I decided to not tell her this was a 'special' bottle. Hope this awkward 'stage' clears up. FWIW, on the following evening this was much more expressive on both the nose and the palate. My vote now goes to 'awkward stage' and I will wait on the last bottles (now an 88+).
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Opened and glass decanted (Lennox Grand Tuscany Burgundy glasses so plenty of air here) about 30 minutes before serving. Garnet to dark garnet color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Fruit on the nose was subdued a little, mostly simple red fruits. Alcohol was too high on the nose. Flavors of mixed red fruits. Medium to high acidity, integrated tannins, medium to full body. Alcohol a little to high on the palate as well. Pretty short finish. Originally scored lower but did finally settle in around the 90 minute to 2 hour mark. Drink over the short term. This vintage is not a long term ager.
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I would have a very difficult time determining this to be a pinot in a blind tasting. Everything is huge and the palate is very monolithic with the 15.5% apv showing up on the palate and finish in a big way. My palate continues to move further away from this overblown style of pinot-syrah.
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This wine is finally starting to show it's potential. It should improve over the next few years and then hold for several more years. A terrific effort Michael Browne. Thanks so much.
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Decanted for about 3 hours. Nose of cherries and dark spices. Had a funk to the nose for a while, but it blew off in a couple of hours in the decanter. The palate was consistent with the nose, and began to pick up some cola flavors after about 3 hours. It took some time after decanting to come together, but when it finally did, it was excellent. There were some sour cherry flavors for a while that I could have done without, but they passed after about an hour. It was a lot of fun tasting this next to an 06 Kosta Browne RRV Pinot.
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Enjoyed with the family at Dry Creek Kitchen side-by-side a '06 4B. This wine was beautiful. Great nose and mouth of red fruit. The '03 had a bigger nose than the '06, which probably was due to the vintage and/or age. The '06 was very nice as well after decanting for an hour.
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My least favorite Kosta Browne thus far. The dark color and powerful nose suggested a very promising wine, but unfortunately it showed every bit of its 15.5% alcohol. Very hot and unbalanced. We popped and poured, and drank over the course of 2 hours, without any improvement.
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This pinot is definitely a very unique wine which is very hard to describe. Despite the fact that it is comprised of 2/3rd Russian River and 1/3 rd Sonoma it doesn't taste like RR at all. A very dark pinot that is very complex in both the nose and the taste. My hope is that this 4 barrel will continue to gain complexity. It doesn't appear to be near it's maturity but it's very hard to estimate when it will reach it's peak. Try another bottle in 6 months.
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Tasted during a Kosta Browne Winery visit; The end to a great tasting at KB. The last few times I've had this wine it did not show as well as the earlier bottles. This bottle was different - 4 Barrel was in the house and taking no prisoners. Even after a long tasting session it was clear that this wine was very, very good. A nit would be the slight heat on the finish. This bottle lived up to its early potential. 92+
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Excellent wine, with smooth cherry, vanilla, and spice on the palate. There was a little heat, but a few minutes in the fridge took care of that. A real triumph!!
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The once rich flavors had taken on a distinct pruney quality and has gotten a little disjointed at this time. I'm afraid this is my experience with a number or these high alcohal, fruit bombs that I loved on release and then open after three years of age.
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Tasted November 6, 2007. Opened and served immediately. Could of used a decant to soften a bit. Garnet to dark garnet color in the glass, slightly dusty looking. Big nose of grapefruit up front that blew off after maybe 30 minutes to reveal cherries, berries, potpourri and melted red licorice. Flavors of red cherries, red currants and red licorice. Medium to almost tangy acidity, medium to firm tannins, definitely full bodied. I'd recommend holding or plan on a decant at the minimum. Picked up maybe 1 point since the last tasting.
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To date, the best bottle of pinot noir I've ever tasted. Decanted for 2 hours, this bottle continued to evolve until the last sip. There was cherry, cinnamon, anise, strawberry, raspberry. You name it!!! Each glass brought something different. A tremendous experience.
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OK, now I see what the controversy is about. This is a huge wine, just at the edge of outrageousness, but luckily on the correct side of that edge. The nose gives deep, red fruits that are so dark as to be confusable with black fruit, burnt sugar (almost like port), cola, and spices. The palate delivers the promise offered by the nose: this is a big wine, with sweet fruit, cola, earth and je ne sais quoi pas. What saves the entire affair is the wine's balance... there is a terrific equilibrium between fruit, acid and underlying structure (tannin) that produces not only a great finish, but a total drink that tastes like wine and not like syrup. This ain't Burgundy, and that's just fine. Have it as a sipper, with pungent cheese, or with a hearty dinner, and it's very, very enjoyable. At least that's what I says! Yum!
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Hmm...well made. Just over the top for me. It has lots of fruit and loads of alcohol. If you like them big, or want a cocktail, pop and pour. Not my style.
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This was a seriosly delicious and decadent wine, rich nose and gobs of fruity, spicy flavors. Nothing too reserved about this wine at present. I will wait awhile for further bottles, but very delicious now.
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My scores are going down on this wine which is cause for concern. The brown sugar on the nose was almost overwhelming along with the candied flavors. And too much alcohol burned up the finish. Where is this wine going? Unknown...
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Tasted November 24, 2006 at an offline. Opened and served immediately in a Spiegelau Authentis Balloon Magnum glass. Nose of Kirsh, pepper, a mix of berries and maybe some burnt sugar. Flavors of black cherries, blueberries and vanilla. I’d recommend holding another year or plan on an extended decant if opening now. COMMENTARY: I thought the alcohol was way too hot but it didn’t bother me as much as some at the table. I have to admit, I’m not sure what’s up with this wine. I couldn’t make up my mind if I was drinking an Aussie Shiraz or a Turley Zinfandel; anything but Pinot Noir.
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For some reason this bottle was within easy opening reach and we decided to give it a go. This was not the best decision as it was an off showing for this wine. It had very complex aromas and flavors - dark fruit, asian spices, brown sugar, vanilla and on and on. The problem was a lack of balance in that the alcohol consumed the finish (the wine was at a cool serving temp.). 15.5% alcohol and every bit of it evident in this bottle. We decanted it about 25 minutes and it probably wasn't near enough. I recommend a longer decant if you are opening any of these now. Or just let them sleep as we will be doing with the remainder of our bottles.
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Decanted 2 hours before serving. Dark cherry, blackberry on the nose with some asian spices and earth. The palate was just incredible with the word seamless seeming to best describe how plush fruit, tanninis, acidity, and secondary flavors all come together to make a statement. After a further two hours we came back to this wine and it had become alomost explosive on the nose with complex soaring aromas. This wine needs more time or some serious decanter time.
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NYC KB-fest (Ouest): I wrote down three words in my notes: huge; seamless; incredible. I opened it (did not decant) in the morning to get it some air and was overwhelmed. This wine had me at hello. It was even better 12 hours later with just explosive aromatics. Dark cherry, plum, blackberry, potpourri, earth. More going on in the mouth with lush dark fruits, mocha, baking spices and vanilla. Fine tannins and a lengthwise undercurrent of acidity keep it all in focus. The finish goes on longer than a Kevin Costner vanity project. The crazy thing is that this is going to get better (do not pop and pour this wine-air or age). Any Pinot lover that thinks big is a four letter word should try this wine.
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Very big Pinot. Dark and brooding with a nose of blackberry and dark cherry. I don't get a lot of tannins on the finish, but do plan to hold the remaining five bottles. Next one will not be opened before mid 2007. Quite a kick - check the alcohol level on this big boy!
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A fine wine, if not my preferred style. On the nose, blackberry and black cherry dominate. On the palate, very full-bodied, with blackberries, black cherry, and raspberry, and lots of creamy oak on a medium to long finish. A bit too sweet for my tastes, with just a bit of alcoholic heat on the end that could either integrate or make the wine fall apart in the future.
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Although this wine is very tight it is absolutely great Cali Pinot with lots of upside potential. We discussed when and if it has the possibility for 95 points and WOW wine status. If it happens it won't be anytime soon so we won't be opening another bottle for at least a year. There are certain wines that you are thrilled to have in your cellar. This is one of mine. [~$55 on release; Decanted one hour and needed it]
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One very big, oaky Pinot. A wide spectrum of fruits - blackcurrant to brambly raspberry. Lots of sexy anise and caramel oak. Lush, creamy mouthfeel. The finish is surprisingly crisp. Young and in need of a couple more years. Lots of upside.
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Yankee's vs. A's Tailgate Part (Oakland): If you have any bottles of this wine - Don't touch it!! It's such a baby at this point. The fruit was hidding but a glimpse showed it was very succulant and BIG. I told Michael that I cracked one of these and he agreed that its just a puppy and needs much more time in the bottle. This was my second and I only have 1 left. Next - 2010
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Enjoyed at our anniversary dinner at Wink. A very nice bottle of wine indeed. Over the course of the 3 hour meal (7 course chef's tasting menu), the wine evolved nicely, progressing from a somewhat tight beginning to nice expression of pinot by the last sips with rack of lamb. Dark cherry, chocolate, cola and earthy nuances all showed at various times over the course of the evening. A bold and diverse food menu, the wine paired nicely throughout the courses. The elements of this wine all seemed to be in check for me. A solid effort. Had I scored this, I no doubt would have ended up north of 90 pts.
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This is a fantastic bottle of wine. 1st of three. The word is lush. Huge nose of classic cali pinot fruit, cherry, . Thick dark color. Palate gives what the nose promises. Dark cherry fruit some earth. very concentrated flavor with a long finish
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The nose of this was fantastic. Follow this up with spice, mocha and a bit of cedar along with nice and elegant tart michigan cherries I really enjoyed this a lot. Absolutely great bottle of wine. 93 points (maybe more!)
Had this at the DC Crü April dinner at Corduroy.
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Notes long after the fact. Pre-release wine provided by Michael Browne. Tasted at the winery on 10/24/04 and the remainder consumed on 10/25/04. Potentially spectacular Pinot Noir. Very young and primary but already complex. [Tasted at the winery and Meadowood Resort, Napa Valley on 10/25/04]
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9/14/2012 - TheOtherPoster wrote: 92 Points
This is at its peak (from our cellar). Huge California pinot, in-your-face, but still tastes like pinot rather than,say, syrah.... lots of fun, well balanced even with its high alcohol... aw hell, what's not to like? If'n you want subtlety, go elsewhere... :)
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10/25/2011 - Two Lunatics wrote: 90 Points
We found this Pinot to be a bit weak. It's very jammie for a Pinot. It doesn't have classic Pinot qualities. My wife loved it because it was Jammie. She ranked it a 91 and I gave it a 88
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7/7/2010 - Screameagle wrote: 93 Points
This pinot has evolved into a beautiful pinot that is now ready to drink and should last for at least another 3 years. Sadly just one bottle left.
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4/10/2010 - wineismylife wrote: 90 Points
Saturdays at One - Volume 17: WIML90?
Opened and decanted for about an hour and a half, double decanted back into the bottle and then served around the five hour mark. Garnet to dark garnet color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Nose of roses, Kirsch, talc and berries. Flavors of berries and cherries. Little light on the palate compared to the previous bottle. Light to medium acidity, resolved tannins, medium body. Drink now. Definitely better than the 2003 Koplen we had last week. My last bottle.
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4/10/2010 - mmurry wrote: 92 Points
The nose had cherry and spice, mushroom, wet leaves, and vanilla. The palate juicy and sweet, with earth, cherry, mushroom, and a nice vanilla finish.
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1/14/2010 - Mike V wrote: 88 Points
Much different from my first bottle 5 years ago. Agree with bourbon notes. Dark thick and brooding. Not much on the nose. Hot with great fruit on the palate.
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11/15/2009 - CADomer wrote: 93 Points
Enjoyed this one at John Ash & Co. with my family and an '07 KB Amber Ridge. Was great to drink these two wines side by side. We decanted the '03 for an hour before jumping into it. It was deep and dark and in that earlier and more luscious KB style, but very very good. Still had a ton of youthful fruit on both the nose and the palate. I was both pleased and impressed that this wine had so much life in it and so much enjoyment to give.
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10/31/2009 - Sweet Nancy wrote:
Showing big style but definite Pinot characteristics. Shared with many at a seasonal party so no detailed tasting note.
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5/31/2009 - tonyvelebil wrote: 88 Points
Last night Traci cooked a parmesan crusted pork chop with roasted sweet potato and steamed broccoli. She also decided to serve this blind to me and in Riedel Extreme Cab glasses to throw me off a little. Initially I took the bait and said this tasted like Cab...well it did. The nose was initially fairly shy but a little coaxing started to show some red currant and a little cedar. The palate was also showing plenty of red fruit but seemed to lack the tannin that I would expect from a Cab throwing my initial thought into doubt.
I continue to swirl sniff and taste to figure it out and it was becoming apparent this was a Pinot Noir although fairly tough to figure out from where. The nose started to show more red currants, some anise and a little bit of underbrush (traci also felt a little bit of heat but I didn't notice it). The palate was a little chalky with more red fruits, a little wet stone quality, a little chocolate/spice from the oak (the oak showed a little but was not obtrusive/offensive in any way). Still a little young tasting but given the fruit forward nature of the wine, I felt it was possibly a 2006 Pinot Noir. Not from SLH or Santa Rita Hills - lacked the citrus I get from SLH and the bitterness I get from SRHills. But didn't scream RRV or SC either...now I know why since this is a blend of vineyards from the Sonoma Coast (really Petaluma Gap) and the RRV. In all, a very good wine that just doesn't quite have the complexity to hit the 90's - at least that bottle. I did have a bottle earlier in the year that was a couple points better.
Disclaimer: I worked at Kosta Browne for 1 1/2 years and still consider Dan & Michael friends.
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5/22/2009 - pgordon62 wrote: 91 Points
Appealing, sophisticated nose of cola, black and red fruits, planky oak, anise, a little stony earth and spice cake. Full and silky on the palate with dense black raspberry fruit, a briary edge and an interesting stony element. The spicy finish shows a nice grip and acid spine with just the very slightest heat. Not a style I seek out but very well executed. Drink now before the alcohol becomes more noticeable.
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3/6/2009 - wineismylife wrote: 90 Points
WIML90. Consistent with previous bottles.
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2/4/2009 - pgordon62 wrote: 91 Points
Enticing nose of dark fruit, bitter chocolate, xmas spice, mushroom and anise. There is also a hint of bourbon. Fat and full on the palate with added red fruits, spice, vanilla and a dark woodsy element. A little prickly on the finish, spice, cumin, a meaty note and that hint of bourbon again. This hedonistic wine has integrated its oak well. I do find the heat a negative though.
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1/20/2009 - Sweet Nancy wrote:
Big Pinot and not for those who are looking for a Burgundian style. This KB seems to be integrating and come into balance. It needs some protein and spice to tame it.
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12/21/2008 - Sweet Nancy wrote:
Took a bottle to a neighborhood holiday party. Had one "plastic cup" of this upon opening. Surprising to see that the wine is taming down. I'll hold the last two for a while and taste in a better setting with a proper stem. Still big and bold. That will not change.
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11/30/2008 - thomaskeil wrote: 88 Points
Significantly different than 2 years ago. Decanted 2 hours. Clear violet red. The explosive nose of 2 years ago has all but shut down. Now showing some cherries, cola, asian spice, vanilla and etoh (to a distracting degree). Palate is still lush and creamy, but the acidic backbone and layered flavors have receded to be replaced by heat. Had with veal chops and Vesuvio potatoes. Was okay. But when I saw Nancy sort of set aside her glass, I decided to not tell her this was a 'special' bottle. Hope this awkward 'stage' clears up. FWIW, on the following evening this was much more expressive on both the nose and the palate. My vote now goes to 'awkward stage' and I will wait on the last bottles (now an 88+).
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11/24/2008 - wineismylife wrote: 88 Points
WIML88
Tasted November 24, 2008.
Opened and glass decanted (Lennox Grand Tuscany Burgundy glasses so plenty of air here) about 30 minutes before serving. Garnet to dark garnet color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Fruit on the nose was subdued a little, mostly simple red fruits. Alcohol was too high on the nose. Flavors of mixed red fruits. Medium to high acidity, integrated tannins, medium to full body. Alcohol a little to high on the palate as well. Pretty short finish. Originally scored lower but did finally settle in around the 90 minute to 2 hour mark. Drink over the short term. This vintage is not a long term ager.
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10/13/2008 - RussW wrote:
I would have a very difficult time determining this to be a pinot in a blind tasting. Everything is huge and the palate is very monolithic with the 15.5% apv showing up on the palate and finish in a big way. My palate continues to move further away from this overblown style of pinot-syrah.
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9/17/2008 - Screameagle wrote: 94 Points
This wine is finally starting to show it's potential. It should improve over the next few years and then hold for several more years. A terrific effort Michael Browne. Thanks so much.
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8/24/2008 - budman wrote: 92 Points
Sublime. A little heat on the finish, but the fruit is still dominant. A little spice and vanilla along with dark fruit.
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7/22/2008 - markjahnke wrote: 91 Points
NJ Pinot Noir Tasting - June 21st OFFLINE - took place on July 22nd (New Jersey): Huge nose of plum, cherry, vanilla, and hints of spice. On the palate, more bright red cherry, cola, and currants. I had this wine confused with another in my previous notes.
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6/13/2008 - last chance wrote: 93 Points
Decanted for about 3 hours. Nose of cherries and dark spices. Had a funk to the nose for a while, but it blew off in a couple of hours in the decanter. The palate was consistent with the nose, and began to pick up some cola flavors after about 3 hours. It took some time after decanting to come together, but when it finally did, it was excellent. There were some sour cherry flavors for a while that I could have done without, but they passed after about an hour. It was a lot of fun tasting this next to an 06 Kosta Browne RRV Pinot.
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6/1/2008 - CRAUBER4242 wrote: 94 Points
Enjoyed with the family at Dry Creek Kitchen side-by-side a '06 4B. This wine was beautiful. Great nose and mouth of red fruit. The '03 had a bigger nose than the '06, which probably was due to the vintage and/or age. The '06 was very nice as well after decanting for an hour.
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4/14/2008 - RedFaced wrote: 89 Points
My least favorite Kosta Browne thus far. The dark color and powerful nose suggested a very promising wine, but unfortunately it showed every bit of its 15.5% alcohol. Very hot and unbalanced. We popped and poured, and drank over the course of 2 hours, without any improvement.
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4/13/2008 - sunalsorises wrote: 90 Points
Hot on the finish. Good fruit but balance is off.
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2/17/2008 - Screameagle wrote: 89 Points
This pinot is definitely a very unique wine which is very hard to describe. Despite the fact that it is comprised of 2/3rd Russian River and 1/3 rd Sonoma it doesn't taste like RR at all. A very dark pinot that is very complex in both the nose and the taste. My hope is that this 4 barrel will continue to gain complexity. It doesn't appear to be near it's maturity but it's very hard to estimate when it will reach it's peak. Try another bottle in 6 months.
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2/10/2008 - tanglenet wrote:
2nd Annual Freeman Caves Weekend for VinoCellar.com; 2/8/2008-2/10/2008 (Various Sonoma County Locations): Served as part of the 2nd Annual Freeman Caves Weekend for VinoCellar.com. Served by Michael Browne at the winery.
Lovely sweet fruit with strong citrus notes and a dry finish. Very Good.
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2/10/2008 - Winetex wrote: 92 Points
Tasted during a Kosta Browne Winery visit; The end to a great tasting at KB. The last few times I've had this wine it did not show as well as the earlier bottles. This bottle was different - 4 Barrel was in the house and taking no prisoners. Even after a long tasting session it was clear that this wine was very, very good. A nit would be the slight heat on the finish. This bottle lived up to its early potential. 92+
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12/25/2007 - budman wrote: 93 Points
Excellent wine, with smooth cherry, vanilla, and spice on the palate. There was a little heat, but a few minutes in the fridge took care of that. A real triumph!!
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11/24/2007 - Mpoob wrote: 88 Points
The once rich flavors had taken on a distinct pruney quality and has gotten a little disjointed at this time. I'm afraid this is my experience with a number or these high alcohal, fruit bombs that I loved on release and then open after three years of age.
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11/6/2007 - wineismylife wrote: 91 Points
WIML91.
Tasted November 6, 2007. Opened and served immediately. Could of used a decant to soften a bit. Garnet to dark garnet color in the glass, slightly dusty looking. Big nose of grapefruit up front that blew off after maybe 30 minutes to reveal cherries, berries, potpourri and melted red licorice. Flavors of red cherries, red currants and red licorice. Medium to almost tangy acidity, medium to firm tannins, definitely full bodied. I'd recommend holding or plan on a decant at the minimum. Picked up maybe 1 point since the last tasting.
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10/7/2007 - budman wrote: 95 Points
To date, the best bottle of pinot noir I've ever tasted. Decanted for 2 hours, this bottle continued to evolve until the last sip. There was cherry, cinnamon, anise, strawberry, raspberry. You name it!!!
Each glass brought something different. A tremendous experience.
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9/26/2007 - TheOtherPoster wrote: 91 Points
OK, now I see what the controversy is about. This is a huge wine, just at the edge of outrageousness, but luckily on the correct side of that edge. The nose gives deep, red fruits that are so dark as to be confusable with black fruit, burnt sugar (almost like port), cola, and spices. The palate delivers the promise offered by the nose: this is a big wine, with sweet fruit, cola, earth and je ne sais quoi pas. What saves the entire affair is the wine's balance... there is a terrific equilibrium between fruit, acid and underlying structure (tannin) that produces not only a great finish, but a total drink that tastes like wine and not like syrup. This ain't Burgundy, and that's just fine. Have it as a sipper, with pungent cheese, or with a hearty dinner, and it's very, very enjoyable. At least that's what I says! Yum!
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8/12/2007 - Sweet Nancy wrote:
Hmm...well made. Just over the top for me. It has lots of fruit and loads of alcohol. If you like them big, or want a cocktail, pop and pour. Not my style.
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8/8/2007 - rjonwine@gmail.com wrote: 90 Points
Italian OL (w/a Cali Pinot interlude) (Twist Bistro, Campbell, California): Concentrated cherry and cola nose; tasty, ripe Kosta Browne-type concentrated cherry and vanilla oak palate; medium-plus hot finish
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3/23/2007 - budman wrote: 94 Points
Awesome. Loads of vanilla, spice, and cherry flavors. Don't be in a hurry to pop these!
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3/20/2007 - zheem wrote:
This was a seriosly delicious and decadent wine, rich nose and gobs of fruity, spicy flavors. Nothing too reserved about this wine at present. I will wait awhile for further bottles, but very delicious now.
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11/24/2006 - Winetex wrote: 90 Points
My scores are going down on this wine which is cause for concern. The brown sugar on the nose was almost overwhelming along with the candied flavors. And too much alcohol burned up the finish. Where is this wine going? Unknown...
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11/24/2006 - wineismylife wrote: 90 Points
Dallas Offline with Winetex (Amici's in Carrollton, TX): WIML90(?),NOWA,WS90
Tasted November 24, 2006 at an offline. Opened and served immediately in a Spiegelau Authentis Balloon Magnum glass. Nose of Kirsh, pepper, a mix of berries and maybe some burnt sugar. Flavors of black cherries, blueberries and vanilla. I’d recommend holding another year or plan on an extended decant if opening now. COMMENTARY: I thought the alcohol was way too hot but it didn’t bother me as much as some at the table. I have to admit, I’m not sure what’s up with this wine. I couldn’t make up my mind if I was drinking an Aussie Shiraz or a Turley Zinfandel; anything but Pinot Noir.
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10/16/2006 - Winetex wrote: 91 Points
For some reason this bottle was within easy opening reach and we decided to give it a go. This was not the best decision as it was an off showing for this wine. It had very complex aromas and flavors - dark fruit, asian spices, brown sugar, vanilla and on and on. The problem was a lack of balance in that the alcohol consumed the finish (the wine was at a cool serving temp.). 15.5% alcohol and every bit of it evident in this bottle. We decanted it about 25 minutes and it probably wasn't near enough. I recommend a longer decant if you are opening any of these now. Or just let them sleep as we will be doing with the remainder of our bottles.
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9/3/2006 - thomaskeil wrote: 93 Points
Decanted 2 hours before serving. Dark cherry, blackberry on the nose with some asian spices and earth. The palate was just incredible with the word seamless seeming to best describe how plush fruit, tanninis, acidity, and secondary flavors all come together to make a statement. After a further two hours we came back to this wine and it had become alomost explosive on the nose with complex soaring aromas. This wine needs more time or some serious decanter time.
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7/24/2006 - bsherwin wrote:
NYC KB-fest (Ouest): I wrote down three words in my notes: huge; seamless; incredible. I opened it (did not decant) in the morning to get it some air and was overwhelmed. This wine had me at hello. It was even better 12 hours later with just explosive aromatics. Dark cherry, plum, blackberry, potpourri, earth. More going on in the mouth with lush dark fruits, mocha, baking spices and vanilla. Fine tannins and a lengthwise undercurrent of acidity keep it all in focus. The finish goes on longer than a Kevin Costner vanity project. The crazy thing is that this is going to get better (do not pop and pour this wine-air or age). Any Pinot lover that thinks big is a four letter word should try this wine.
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6/3/2006 - Sweet Nancy wrote:
Very big Pinot. Dark and brooding with a nose of blackberry and dark cherry. I don't get a lot of tannins on the finish, but do plan to hold the remaining five bottles. Next one will not be opened before mid 2007. Quite a kick - check the alcohol level on this big boy!
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5/22/2006 - SacredCow wrote: 92 Points
A fine wine, if not my preferred style. On the nose, blackberry and black cherry dominate. On the palate, very full-bodied, with blackberries, black cherry, and raspberry, and lots of creamy oak on a medium to long finish. A bit too sweet for my tastes, with just a bit of alcoholic heat on the end that could either integrate or make the wine fall apart in the future.
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4/3/2006 - Winetex wrote: 93 Points
Although this wine is very tight it is absolutely great Cali Pinot with lots of upside potential. We discussed when and if it has the possibility for 95 points and WOW wine status. If it happens it won't be anytime soon so we won't be opening another bottle for at least a year. There are certain wines that you are thrilled to have in your cellar. This is one of mine. [~$55 on release; Decanted one hour and needed it]
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3/1/2006 - pgordon62 wrote: 91 Points
One very big, oaky Pinot. A wide spectrum of fruits - blackcurrant to brambly raspberry. Lots of sexy anise and caramel oak. Lush, creamy mouthfeel. The finish is surprisingly crisp. Young and in need of a couple more years. Lots of upside.
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9/6/2005 - jamiekutch wrote:
Yankee's vs. A's Tailgate Part (Oakland): If you have any bottles of this wine - Don't touch it!! It's such a baby at this point. The fruit was hidding but a glimpse showed it was very succulant and BIG. I told Michael that I cracked one of these and he agreed that its just a puppy and needs much more time in the bottle. This was my second and I only have 1 left. Next - 2010
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8/28/2005 - RJD wrote:
Enjoyed at our anniversary dinner at Wink. A very nice bottle of wine indeed. Over the course of the 3 hour meal (7 course chef's tasting menu), the wine evolved nicely, progressing from a somewhat tight beginning to nice expression of pinot by the last sips with rack of lamb. Dark cherry, chocolate, cola and earthy nuances all showed at various times over the course of the evening. A bold and diverse food menu, the wine paired nicely throughout the courses. The elements of this wine all seemed to be in check for me. A solid effort. Had I scored this, I no doubt would have ended up north of 90 pts.
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6/24/2005 - Mike V wrote: 95 Points
This is a fantastic bottle of wine. 1st of three. The word is lush. Huge nose of classic cali pinot fruit, cherry, . Thick dark color. Palate gives what the nose promises. Dark cherry fruit some earth. very concentrated flavor with a long finish
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4/19/2005 - Pool Boy wrote: 93 Points
The nose of this was fantastic. Follow this up with spice, mocha and a bit of cedar along with nice and elegant tart michigan cherries I really enjoyed this a lot. Absolutely great bottle of wine. 93 points (maybe more!)
Had this at the DC Crü April dinner at Corduroy.
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3/7/2005 - davidn wrote:
Open and shared at World of Pinot Noir Paulee dinner at Au Bon Climat. Big hit!
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12/29/2004 - Winetex wrote: 93 Points
Notes long after the fact. Pre-release wine provided by Michael Browne. Tasted at the winery on 10/24/04 and the remainder consumed on 10/25/04. Potentially spectacular Pinot Noir. Very young and primary but already complex. [Tasted at the winery and Meadowood Resort, Napa Valley on 10/25/04]
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