Kosta Browne Chardonnay "One Sixteen" 2021
(Russian River Valley, California) - [JS 96] [DM 95] [WS 92] [WA 91] [JD 90]

Notes from the Winemaker:
Our Appellation Series wines exemplify our commitment to exploration and passion for crafting soulful and thought-provoking wines that celebrate some of the world’s great terroirs.

The marine influence that follows the Russian River inland from the Pacific coast is a powerful attribute of this region. The fog helps keep nights cool and offers the vines a well-deserved break from daytime temperatures. The acclaimed Chardonnay vineyards we work with are located in the coolest parts of the Russian River Valley. Here, fruit can mature gracefully on the vine, which we find offers us more intensely focused flavors.

Individual pressed lots were all 100% native primary and malolactic fermentations, which adds profound dimension and breadth to the finished wine. From its rich yet lean and focused structure to the expressive aromatics of mango, toasted brioche, and fresh apple, this wine is beautifully balanced with a refined palate and weightless texture on the finish.

VINEYARD DETAILS:

VINEYARDs: Winner’s Circle, Zio Tony Ranch, Lone Oak, Heintz, Ritchie, Keefer Ranch, Bootlegger’s Hill, El Diablo
CLONES: Wente, Mt. Eden, Clone 4, 548, 95

TECHNICAL DETAILS:

FERMENTATION: 100% Whole Cluster Pressed - 83% barrel & 17% foudre              ÉLEVAGE: 30% new French oak for 14 months, 4% new Austrian oak for 14 months, 20% wood cask for 9 months, prior to bottling 66% aged in stainless steel for 6 months
ALCOHOL: 13.5%
pH: 3.35
TA: 6.3 g/L

TASTING NOTES:

Nose: Expressive aromatics of fresh mango, honeyed lemon peel and toasted brioche encompass the senses.
Palate: Stunningly balanced with a refined, smooth palate, lively acidity, and a weightless texture on the finish..

Ratings & Reviews:

96 Points - James Suckling:
"Aromas of gunpowder, dried peach and sliced cooked apple. Sea shell. Pineapple. Medium to full body with a creamy texture and lots of fruit but still reserved at the end. Hints of brioche and caramel and then cream. Plenty of fruit and length. Drink or hold." (Nov 2023)

95 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"Typically sourced from vineyards rich in Sonoma's famous Goldridge soil series such as Ritchie, El Diablo, Bootlegger’s Hill, Heintz, Flora Marie, Winner’s Circle, and Keefer Ranch, Kosta Browne's 2021 One-Sixteen Chardonnay from Sonoma's Russian River Valley takes full advantage of the region's foggy mornings and cooler nights. This is a very plush vintage of One-Sixteen, kicking off with an enticing nose of confected lemon bars, flinty minerals, and candied apricots. The mouthfeel is lush, broadening immediately on the palate with the warming richness of biting into a freshly baked almond pastry. Balancing acidity adds a racy, crisp undertow, giving a burst of energetic freshness that resonates with an almost palpable energy through a lengthy, mineral, and floral finish—aged in a mix of new French oak, Austrian oak, wood cask, and stainless steel—83% barrel fermented with some in foudre." - Jonathan Cristaldi (May 2024)

92 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Overtly toasty and spicy up front before melting away to reveal a core of apricot pastry, baked apple, mouthwatering lemon curd and honeysuckle flavors. A note of dried pineapple joins hints of tarragon and nougat on the creamy finish. Drink now. 3,700 cases made." - MW (Jun 2024)

91 Points - Wine Advocate:
"The 2021 Chardonnay One Sixteen, matured for 14 months in 34% new French & Austrian oak, takes some time to shake off its youthful crème brûlée and allspice tones to reveal apricot, beeswax and honeysuckle aromas. The medium-bodied palate offers powerful fruit and oak spice and satisfying freshness to lift the finish." - Erin Brooks (June 2023)

90 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"A youthful yellow with silver hue, the 2021 Chardonnay One-Sixteen is lifted with aromas of fresh pineapple, a touch of petrol, and wet stone. Medium to full-bodied, it is forward with notes of ripe apple fruit up front that tapers to a more citrus-driven finish, with lemon pith and a chalky texture. Drink 2023-2028." - Audrey Frick (Jul 2023)