Kosta Browne

Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

9.383 ratings
9.38 pro ratings
Santa Lucia Highlands, Central Coast, California, USA
Pinot Noir
Turkey, Game, Exotic Spices, Soft Cheese, Duck, Goose, Salads & Greens, Potato, Quinoa, Farro, Brown Rice, White Rice, Pasta, Herbs, Nuts & Seeds, Mushrooms, Chicken, Meaty & Oily Fish, Shellfish, Crab & Lobster, Stew, Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Salami & Prosciutto, Salmon, Quinoa, Shellfish
Top Notes For
David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

One of the better Kosta Browne’s I’ve had. It’s a crowd pleaser right now. Decanted 3 1/2 hours. Still youthful.

Lots of dark cherries, ripe, brambly blackberries, black plum, dry cranberries, black raspberries, plum & notes of blueberries. Tree sap with bark, dark chocolate, mocha, some caramel, beautifully soft, dark spice, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanillin, dark, rich, forest floor with dry leaves, black pepper, limestone, dry, crushed rock powder, shades of mint, dry, river stone, moist clay, anise leaning to hint of true black licorice, mid sweet tarriness with slightly withering; black, red, blue flowers framed in violets. Excellent round acidity. The finish shows lush fruits & slides into spice & earth. It’s well knitted & balanced and persists minutes.

Oh yeah...that’s my decanter ornament to the right! 👍

Happy Holidays! 🎄🎁🎅❄️⛄️🌟

One of the better Kosta Browne’s I’ve had. It’s a crowd pleaser right now. Decanted 3 1/2 hours. Still youthful.

Lots of dark cherries, ripe, brambly blackberries, black plum, dry cranberries, black raspberries, plum & notes of blueberries. Tree sap with bark, dark chocolate, mocha, some caramel, beautifully soft, dark spice, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanillin, dark, rich, forest floor with dry leaves, black pepper, limestone, dry, crushed rock powder, shades of mint, dry, river stone, moist clay, anise leaning to hint of true black licorice, mid sweet tarriness with slightly withering; black, red, blue flowers framed in violets. Excellent round acidity. The finish shows lush fruits & slides into spice & earth. It’s well knitted & balanced and persists minutes.

Oh yeah...that’s my decanter ornament to the right! 👍

Happy Holidays! 🎄🎁🎅❄️⛄️🌟

Dec 12th, 2020
Joe Carroll

Owner/Wine Director Spuyten Duyvil, Fette Sau, St. Anselm & Gotham Artisanal Provisions

9.1

Good but too dense and chocolaty for a Pinot Noir

Good but too dense and chocolaty for a Pinot Noir

May 5th, 2017
Sipping Fine Wine

I recently went to a Private Equity Wine Tasting Gala and they had 8 Kosta Browne wine to taste, Wow! Hard to pick a best as they were all good, but the Santa Lucia Highlands 2014 stood out. Aged for 15 months in French Oak (49% new), with aromas of dried red fruits, tangy citrus and floral notes. On the palate raspberry and cherry flavors with interesting spice and savory dusty tannins. The finish is long, ending with earthy mineral characteristics. Tasting Sample.

I recently went to a Private Equity Wine Tasting Gala and they had 8 Kosta Browne wine to taste, Wow! Hard to pick a best as they were all good, but the Santa Lucia Highlands 2014 stood out. Aged for 15 months in French Oak (49% new), with aromas of dried red fruits, tangy citrus and floral notes. On the palate raspberry and cherry flavors with interesting spice and savory dusty tannins. The finish is long, ending with earthy mineral characteristics. Tasting Sample.

Dec 6th, 2016
Charlie Beatty

Buyer wineworksonline.com

9.5

Awesome Pinot from 2014 Santa Lucia Highlands of Kosta Browne. Beautiful fruit of Black cherry and plum . Awesome mid palate with great acidity and body. Wonderful mouthfeel. Compliments the finisher of Labor Day 2016 and #Hermine weather 2016! With Master chef K Beatty! Bravo on food and wines!!! CB 95...

Awesome Pinot from 2014 Santa Lucia Highlands of Kosta Browne. Beautiful fruit of Black cherry and plum . Awesome mid palate with great acidity and body. Wonderful mouthfeel. Compliments the finisher of Labor Day 2016 and #Hermine weather 2016! With Master chef K Beatty! Bravo on food and wines!!! CB 95...

Sep 5th, 2016
Ryan Carey

Founder Wine Confidential

9.0

2014 Single Vineyard Kosta Browne. Rather easy drinking. Good stuff, though for '14s, I prefer their standard RRV

2014 Single Vineyard Kosta Browne. Rather easy drinking. Good stuff, though for '14s, I prefer their standard RRV

Jul 31st, 2016
Manny Canales

Hey now!

Hey now!

Jul 30th, 2016
Ryan Carey

Founder Wine Confidential

9.2

Another new release by Kosta Browne. I'd rate this one (Santa Lucia Highlands) somewhere between the '14 Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley (my favorite)

Another new release by Kosta Browne. I'd rate this one (Santa Lucia Highlands) somewhere between the '14 Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley (my favorite)

May 5th, 2016
Joe Catanese

Finally drinking well. Past two attempts (2-3 years ago) showed too beastly. Has balance now.

Finally drinking well. Past two attempts (2-3 years ago) showed too beastly. Has balance now.

Jun 16th, 2023
Laith A

Delicious Pinot with a great fruit profile .. back when KB was KB!

Delicious Pinot with a great fruit profile .. back when KB was KB!

May 14th, 2022
George Yasutake

My favorite KB region for Pinot Noir. Did not disappoint.

My favorite KB region for Pinot Noir. Did not disappoint.

Nov 26th, 2021