Kosta Browne Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2017

Aged 15 months in 42% new French oak, the 2017 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills has a medium ruby-purple color and gives up cinnamon toast, raspberry coulis, macerated strawberries and rosewater perfume with accents of musk, lilac, blood orange and scorched earth-what a gorgeous perfume! Medium-bodied, it slowly builds in amplitude in the mouth, releasing gobs of perfumed red berry fruits. It has a sturdy but finely grained frame and seamless freshness, finishing very long, layered and fantastically perfumed. Wow! 2,650 cases produced.

Snappy black raspberry, ripe mulberry and plump melon aromas are lifted by cola, fennel pollen and baking spice on the complex nose of this appellation blend. The palate surrounds a red-fruit core of cranberry and strawberry, which is decorated by pinches of wild thyme, dried sage and earthy minerality.

Brought up mostly in stainless steel (19% in open-top oak tanks), the appellation 2017 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills from this terrific estate is a beautiful effort. Ripe cherries, raspberries, spice box, and forest floor notes all emerge from this elegant, balanced, incredibly classic Pinot Noir that has the charm and fruit to shine today, yet the class to evolve for over a decade.

Fruity, with good snap to the raspberry tart and cherry flavors, featuring hints of licorice. Minerally midpalate, presenting a lilting finish of dried rose petal, chocolate and tangerine hints. Drink now through 2023. 2,650 cases made.