Kosta Browne Giusti Ranch Pinot Noir 2016

From a warmer site (it's one of the first to be harvested) in the Russian River Valley, the 2016 Pinot Noir Giusti Ranch (98% destemmed and 50% new French oak) offers lots of black plum, black cherry, and underbrush aromatics and hits the palate with a pleasure-bent, ripe, sexy profile on the palate. It has that rare mix of opulence and elegance, with good acidity as well as tannins, and is going to offer loads of pleasure over the coming 7-8 years.

Aged 16 months in 48% new French oak, the 2016 Pinot Noir Giusti Ranch has a medium ruby color and offers baking spice-laced cranberry sauce, raspberry and strawberry preserves with hints of rose petals, blueberries, loam and tobacco leaf plus forest floor notions. Medium-bodied and silky, it has something for everyone: red and black fruits, spices, an earthy current and amaro notions, with a sturdy frame of grainy tannins and addicting freshness, finishing very long and layered. Lovely. This should age very well in bottle. 800 cases produced.

The 2016 Pinot Noir Giusti Ranch is one of the more complete wines in this range. Powerful and virile in the glass, with notable character, the Giusti Ranch has so much to say. There is real substance and depth to the Giusti, something that eludes many wines in this lineup. Sweet red cherry, pomegranate, mint, game and licorice are woven throughout, but it is the wine's shape and overall feel that are its most defining characteristics.

Subtle aromas of plum and spice firm midpalate, revealing a tannic profile along with a strong presence of savory herb and underbrush notes. Best from 2019 through 2024. 800 cases made.