Kosta Browne Gary's Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018

Professional Ratings

• 98 The Somm Journal

  Garys’ Vineyard was planted in 1997 and named for Gary Franscioni and Gary Pisoni, two of the most celebrated winegrowers in the Santa Lucia Highlands. Fermented in 49% stainless steel, 39% concrete, and 12% wood and then aged in French and Austrian oak for 16 months, this nuanced red shows the pedigree of its coveted source on the palate. Mocha, wild strawberry, sweet meats, and chaparral engage with a “big boy” mouthfeel. A stony, forestfloor keenness on the finish completes the experience

• 96 Wine Enthusiast

  Dark cherry, sweet sage, light cardamom cream and a steely minerality are expertly integrated on the nose of this bottling from an iconic vineyard. It’s a hearty wine on the palate, loaded with both roasted cherry and taut raspberry, but it’s the array of chaparral herbs, from wild thyme to juniper and bay leaf, that provide the most intrigue.

• 96 Jeb Dunnuck

  I loved the 2018 Pinot Noir Garys' Vineyard, a layered, complex, medium-bodied Pinot Noir offering ample wild strawberry and cherry fruits as well as notes of spice, loamy earth, and assorted meaty, spicy nuances. Beautifully textured, round, and expansive, it has wonderful tannins, terrific balance, and a great finish. It's another complex, balanced, impeccably made Pinot Noir from this team.

• 94 James Suckling

  Sweet and slightly spicy red and black fruit on the nose with notes of red licorice and dried herbs as well. Full-bodied with well-integrated tannins. The palate is fruity and zippy with citrus-like acidity. Smooth and supple. Drink or hold.

• 90 Wine & Spirits

  This is rich and fruit-forward, with Thanksgiving scents of potpourri. The wine’s mouth-filling plum richness will stand up to barbecue. —