2011 Pisoni Estate Pinot Noir

96 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

A ripe, voluptuous effort that dishes out thrilling levels of fruit, the 2011 Pinot Noir Estate possesses layers of kirsch, black currants, black raspberry, licorice, sweet spice and crushed flower-like aromas and flavors that flow seamlessly to a full-bodied, rich and concentrated palate. Sweetly fruited and rich, it has sweet underlying tannin, incredible purity of fruit and clean, integrated acidity. Opening up in the glass and over the evening, it is a brilliant Pinot Noir that’s up there with the best of the vintage. It should evolve gracefully and have upwards of a decade of longevity, although I see no reason to delay gratification either. Drink now-2021. This benchmark estate in the Santa Lucia Highlands is run by the Pisoni family, with Mark Pisoni managing the vineyards and Jeff Pisoni making the wines. While they only release a single estate Pinot Noir under the Pisoni label (always 100% from the Pisoni Vineyard), they also release a number of highly recommended Pinots and Syrahs (from different vineyards) under their Lucia line. (8/2013)

2011 Sea Smoke Southing Pinot Noir

Member-only allocation, with waiting list!

From the winery: "Each year, our goal for Southing is to create the ideal marriage of complexity and elegance. The ever-changing nose of the 2011 Southing exhibits red currants, persimmons, fresh flowers and river rock. The fine tannins and minerality are enhanced by our estate vineyard’s characteristic cool climate acidity."

Wine Spectator

Attractive ripe plum and blueberry notes turn firm and taut, with snappy tannins holding the flavors on the palate, ending with a cleansing aftertaste. Drink now through 2022.  (9/2014) 

2011 Kosta Browne Russian River Pinot Noir

Cult Fave!  Mailing-list-customer-only allocation.  

92 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

"Deep ruby. Heady scents of raspberry, cherry-cola, floral oil, Asian spices and vanilla. Juicy and penetrating, with superb inner-mouth perfume to its sweet red fruit and candied rose flavors. Becomes spicier with air and finishes with excellent clarity, breadth and persistence. (ST)" (6/2013)

91 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"Offering up a supple, perfumed and delicate array of kirsch, crushed berries, spice and forest floor, the 2011 Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands) flows onto the palate with a light, deft texture, bright acidity and a clean, nicely focused finish. This isn’t a heavy weight and excels on its aromatics and balance more than power or richness. Enjoy it over the coming 4-6 years. Drink now-2019. (JD)" (8/2013)

90 points Vinous

"The 2011 Pinot Noir (Russian River) is a classic, juicy Russian River Pinot with gorgeous depth, striking aromatics and lovely overall balance. Sweet red berries, plums and spices jump from the glass in a racy, beautifully perfumed Pinot that captures the essence of the Kosta Browne house style. Vineyard sites include Castaldi, El Diablo, Giusti, Graham, Kanzler and others. (AG)" (2/2014)

Jancis Robinson

"Dan Kosta makes 11 different Pinots! This one has just 5% whole cluster. 16 months in French oak (60% new).Light cherry aroma. On the palate, dry, savoury and intense with great freshness. No unwanted sweetness, very Burgundian in a richer mode. Deft and firm, some oak flavour and power showing on the long savoury finish. (JH) (17.5/20 points)" (10/2013)

K&L Notes

The 2011 Kosta Browne Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is sourced from select, cool vineyards including Kanzler, Keefer, Koplen, and Ulises Valdez. The wine was slowly fermented and aged for 16 months in 48% new French oak. From the winery: "This beautifully complex wine shows layered aromas of rich warm fennel and sage spices, mingled with the red and dark fresh fruit components of red raspberry, crushed ripe black cherries and hint of rose petal... (It) is pure, balanced, lush and focused. Rich chocolate-covered cherries come to the front, while fresh ripe raspberries, pomegranate and cola develop throughout the palate, all resting generously on the top of the tongue. The lingering finish wraps around your palate with focus and freshness."