Kosta Browne Thorn Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017

This is made from a small site entirely dry-farmed within the Sebastopol Hills. Fresh acidity pierces through spicy tea and clove seasoned around a light, bright and exotic core of orange peel, rhubarb and brambly blackberry and cherry. The finish is lengthy and indelibly memorable.

Aged 19 months in 29% new French oak, the medium ruby colored 2017 Pinot Noir Thorn Ridge Ranch is scented of mushroom, tree bark, white pepper and dried sage with a core of wild blackberries and Bing cherries plus nuances of gunflint, peppered meats and garrigue-very Syrah-esque. Medium-bodied, it offers intense, savory-laced fruits with a gentle, grainy frame and fantastic freshness, finishing long and nuanced. 275 cases were made.

Broad-textured, with plenty of creamy notes to the ebullient flavors of cherry tart, roasted fig and plum, showing dried beef accents. The ripe, spicy finish offers dried sage and smoke details. Drink now through 2023. 295 cases made.