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96 WA.
"From one of the warmest sites in the Santa Lucia Highlands and granite soils, the 175-case 2014 Pinot Noir Pisoni Vineyard was mostly destemmed (10% whole clusters) and spent 15 months in 27% new French oak. It offers textbook Pinot Noir notes of kirsch, blackberries, wild herbs and cedary spice in a full-bodied, concentrated, impeccably structured and balanced profile. My notes finished with "serious wine," and while it certainly offers pleasure today, it will be even better . . . . This was another rock star lineup from Kosta Browne and it’s certainly one of the most impressive lineups I tasted all year. And while I generally consider 2013 to be a better vintage than 2014, these 2014s are a step up over last year’s releases, which were no slouches either. The estate continues to use moderate amounts of whole clusters for their reds, and aging occurs in varying amounts of French oak (and recently, some concrete). While these are big, rich wines, they’re in no way over the top and the vast majority have classic, structured and age-worthy profiles. Other producers at this level are few and far between." Wine Advocate Interim, Sep 2016 |