Lot #38 KOSTA BROWNE

Kosta Browne has created a captivating one-time exclusive from the historic Sebastopol Hills of Russian River Valley, meticulously focused on the iconic Marshall Ranch vineyard. When initially searching for inspiration for this wine, Winemaker Julien Howsepian and Assistant Winemaker Peter Virtue came head-to-head in the ultimate blend-off duel consisting of several different lots from the surrounding area. But ultimately, it was Peter’s Marshall Ranch vineyard blend that took the lead and fittingly named this auction lot “The Duel.”

Situated on 18 acres of Pinot Noir, with a variety of elite clones, Marshall Ranch benefits from a north-facing slope and exposures that ensure cool temperatures and slow, balanced ripening of fruit. From the classic sandy Goldridge soil that allows for excellent drainage and low vigor to the moderate temperatures of the site that ensure vibrant acidity in the resulting wine, this is a stand-out Russian River Valley Pinot Noir.

Crafted from a blend of four lots solely from Marshall Ranch, this wine was fermented in a combination of the finest French Oak and concrete tanks with 25% whole cluster to retain the expressive texture and structure of the Pinot. Aged in a combination of puncheon and barrels for 14 months, this special selection is bursting with concentrated yet refined fresh red fruit and seamlessly integrated tannins, a once-in-a-lifetime find.

WINEMAKER(S): Julien Howsepian & Peter Virtue

ESTIMATED BOTTLING DATE: March 2024
ESTIMATED SHIPPING DATE: November 2024

National Distribution: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY, Washington, DC

International Distribution: Includes Japan, Korea; please inquire for additional countries.

A winemaker dinner or store visit is offered in your market as part of this lot. Must be scheduled on a mutually agreeable date.