Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Gap's Crown Vineyard 2017 (750ML)

96 JD / 94 WA / 94 WE / 93 JS / 92 WS

I always love this site, and the team at Kosta Browne have made a killer bottle of wine with their 2017 Pinot Noir Gap's Crown Vineyard, especially remarkable in a challenging vintage like 2017. The wine saw 10% stems and 10 months in 35% new French oak, with a small amount in concrete and larger oak. Great notes of mulberries, blackberries, black cherries, violets, and spice all give way to a rich, medium to full-bodied Pinot Noir that has ripe tannins, an expansive texture, loads of charm, and great finish. It's another beautiful, beautiful wine to enjoy over the coming decade or more.-Jeb Dunnuck

The 2017 Pinot Noir Gap's Crown Vineyard was aged 10-19 months in several vessels: 35% new French oak, 20% concrete and 13% wooden tanks. Medium ruby, it's scented of black tea leaves, licorice, wild blackberries, dried lilac and tree bark with hints of blood orange, potpourri, saline and crushed red berry fruit. It’s medium-bodied and ultra silky with wonderful layering of pure fruits, amaro and spices, with a gentle, grainy frame and fantastic juicy freshness, finishing long and elegant. How lovely! 3,500 cases produced.-Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate

Soft blue fruit, orange tea and rhubarb make for an exotic, tangy and beguiling experience on the palate of this explosive, focused and freshly crisp wine from the famous site. Soft and seductive in texture, it has complexity around rich layers of balanced spice and earthiness. — Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast

A parcel on long-term lease. Aromas of violets and blue fruit, as well as roses and rich, deep cherries and plums. Some very ripe aromas in this 2017 vintage with a soft palate and a round, smooth feel that holds well on the finish. Drink over the next six years.-James Suckling

Lively and juicy, featuring cherry tart, dried fig and plum compote flavors that are fresh and offer a touch of ripeness. The plush, spicy finish lingers, with minerally notes. Drink now through 2024. - KM, Wine Spectator