2020 Kosta Browne "Cerise Vineyard" Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

lanted in the late 1990s, Anderson Valley's Cerise Vineyard has been owned and farmed by Kosta Browne since 2016. Plantings in its steep and rock-strewn slopes above Boonville can reach over 330 meters in elevation, putting the vines right in the fog layer where they benefit from warm daytime temperatures and cooler evenings. All the unique qualities embodied in Kosta Browne’s Cerise Vineyard Pinot Noir releases are present in their 2020 but marked by a beautiful amount of restraint. Typically a bombastic red, their Cerise releases flood the palate with a panoply of dark berry fruit, deep forest character, rustic mountain rock minerality, and ripe but searing tannins. In 2020, these qualities are present but more subdued, with gentler, even plump tannins, perhaps resulting from a warmer growing season. It may be that it will unwind with another year, but it is best consumed early after a good decanting because of the challenging season. (JC)

The aromas are juicy and minerally with an umami, seaweed, and iron character. Medium-bodied and it opens up on the palate with firm and chewy tannins, yet they are fine at the end. Lots of minerality in the finish. Chewy now but will soften beautifully.