Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 4 Barrel 2008

"Rating: 90/100 - As reviewed by Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine (www.cgcw.com) in the October 2010 issue. Varietally atypical touches of mint lend a different twist to this very rich

"Rating: 89/100 - As reviewed by Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine (www.cgcw.com) in the October 2010 issue. The Amber Ridge bottling was the CGCW favorite in 2007

Rating: 93/100 - As reviewed by Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine (www.cgcw.com) in the October 2010 issue. Vying for top honors among Kosta Browne's vineyard-designate Pinot Noirs from 2008, the deep, optimally ripened Gap's Crown Vineyard bottling is noteworthy for both its richness and real layering. It is wonderfully supple with the velvety feel found only in the best varietal offerings, and, while never lacking in muscle and size, it shows amazing balance and grace. It is long on immediate appeal to be sure, but it will only get better and more complex if allowed to age, and it may not reach it best for five or six years.Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine aging recommendation: Drinkable now. Further bottle aging can improve this wine.

Rating: 87/100 - As reviewed by Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine (www.cgcw.com) in the October 2010 issue. Uncomplementary aspects of pushy ripeness, firm back-end acidity and scattered touches of forest-floor spice add up here to confusing and unfocused wine that is a bit short on unifying fruit. Ultimately tighter and leaner that its source might suggest, it might open and integrate better with age, but for the time being, it earns only the most hesitant and qualified recommendation.Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine aging recommendation: Cellar for future drinking. Wine will improve with bottle aging.

Rating: 89/100 - As reviewed by Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine (www.cgcw.com) in the October 2010 issue. Quiet suggestions of earth and smoke emerge from the sweet, fully ripened, moderately fruity nose of plush, fairly full-bodied look at the grape and pop up again in the extracted flavors that follow. The wine is slightly softer than a good many 2008 Pinots from its provenance, and it strikes a richer, very familiar Santa Lucia Highlands style. It will show its best if teamed with full-flavored dishes such as a classic pot au feu or hunks of braised lamb.Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine aging recommendation: Drinkable now. Further bottle aging can improve this wine.

Rating: 90/100 - As reviewed by Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine (www.cgcw.com) in the October 2010 issue. The ripest, most extracted of the Kosta Browne collection, this sturdy, concentrated, big-bodied effort has more muscle and sinew than classic Pinot Noir may be wont to have, but it is not at all wanting for richness or size. It fights with some heat at the finish but never succumbs to unbridled ripeness, and its meaty, mouthfilling style makes it a far better partner to savory roasts than to more delicate dishes.Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine aging recommendation: Cellar for future drinking. Wine will improve with bottle aging.

Rating: 89/100 - As reviewed by Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine (www.cgcw.com) in the October 2010 issue. The Amber Ridge bottling was the CGCW favorite in 2007, but this latest incarnation is a little less showy and ever so slightly less well-filled than most of its mates. It is sleek and alive and fit with plenty of persistent red-cherry fruit, and it will find favor most with those who fancy Pinot Noir in a somewhat brighter, more elegant style.Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine aging recommendation: Drinkable now. Further bottle aging can improve this wine.