Kosta Browne Pinot Noir 'Gap's Crown Vineyard' 2023
(Sonoma Coast, California) - [WE 97, Rank #7] [OB 96] [WRO 96] [JD 95] [WA 94] [VM 93+]

About the Winery:
Kosta Browne was founded in 1997 in Sebastopol, Sonoma County, and is known for its single-vineyard and appellation Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from California's cool-climate vineyards.

Notes from the Winemaker:
Gap's Crown Vineyard is regarded as one of the exceptional expressions of the Petaluma Gap AVA, a jewel of the renowned Sonoma Coast appellation. Since 2006, our partnership with this vineyard has soared to remarkable heights, earning its esteemed status among the finest Pinot Noir vineyards.

The 2023 vintage of Gap's Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir was crafted from five carefully selected clones, including the prized Swan clone. It was fermented in concrete and wood and aged for 16 months in barrel, with its final month spent in stainless steel to ensure a harmonious integration of flavors.

Aroma: Enticing on the nose with potpourri, black cherries, toast, cocoa, clay pot, and bacon.
Palate: An elegant and sleek textured wine. Glides effortlessly with refreshing acidity and flavors of wet rock, blackberry crumble and savory finish.

Technical Details: 750 mL; Gap's Crown Vineyard, Sonoma Coast AVA, California; Pinot Noir; clones Swan, 667, 114, 115 and 828; VSP trellising; Goulding-Toomes Complex and Goulding cobbly clay loam soils; fermented in 38% concrete and 62% oak with 3% whole cluster; 16 months in 46% new French oak, then 1 month in stainless steel; 14.3% alcohol; pH 3.68; TA 5.26 g/L as listed by the producer.

Ratings & Reviews

97 Points, Rank #7 Top 100 Cellar Selection 2026 - Wine Enthusiast:
"Vibrant aromas of cranberry, pomegranate, cut flowers, and toasty spices pop from the glass on the nose of this Pinot from one of Sonoma's most prized parcels. The palate gives plush tannin and supple acidity, featuring flavors of concentrated black cherry, plum, cocoa, cinnamon, and roses across a minute long finish. Delicious now, this will age seamlessly for a decade or more." -TRC (Sep 2026)

96 Points - Owen Bargreen:
"A show-stopping new Pinot Noir, the 2023 Kosta Browne ‘Gap’s Crown Vineyard’ Pinot Noir comes from this site that neighbors the Pacific Ocean. This wine was sourced from ten vineyard blocks and it comes off plush and mineral-laden on the tongue. A gorgeous melange of red and dark fruits greets you alongside salty and rocky soils and plenty of mouth-watering acidity. A joy to consume now, enjoy over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2026-2041."

96 Points - Wine Review Online:
"Forward cherry cola notes are accented with delicate undertones of dry and damp earth as well as silky texture with a dash of vanilla added to the fruit. A silky texture carries you to a finish where lively acidity gives a solid push to the flavors, and they linger together in a way you will want to keep revisiting. This is beautiful now and will gain complexity for 10 years before starting a beautiful fade. A blend of Swan, 667, 114, 115 and 828 clones." -Rich Cook (Aug 2026)

95 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"Medium red in color, the 2023 Pinot Noir Gap’s Crown Vineyard is understated yet charming, with cherries, leather, baking spice, and fresh earth. Medium-bodied, approachable, and elegant, with fine tannins and weightless length, it may need some time to fully express its potential but should drink beautifully over the coming decade. Drink 2026-2038."

94 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"Matured for 16 months in 46% new French oak, the 2023 Pinot Noir Gap's Crown Vineyard has intense aromas of cranberry, blackberry, mossy bark, mushrooms, tea leaves and floral perfume. The full-bodied palate features concentrated yet detailed, spicy flavors. It has a seamless frame of silky tannins and vibrant acidity and a very long, perfumed finish." -EB (Sep 2025)

93+ Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2023 Pinot Noir Gap's Crown is tightly wound today as it slowly reveals shades of dark cherry, cedar, iodine, black tea and chalk. There's a real feeling of palpable grip and super-polished tannin that portends positive evolution down the road. Subtle acids brighten the finish, which is a little taut today but should unfurl nicely with time. The inclusion of some concrete in fermentation works well to preserve freshness. It's a very nicely restrained wine from this site that has a tendency to lean exuberant. Drink between 2026-2033." -Billy Norris (Jan 2026)