History
Kosta Browne Winery was founded in 1997 by Dan Kosta and Michael Browne, who met while working at John Ash & Co. restaurant in Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, pooling restaurant tips to produce their first barrel of Pinot Noir. With Chris Costello joining as a key partner, they built relationships with top coastal growers and shifted focus to premium Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley sites; their 2009 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir earned Wine Spectator's Wine of the Year. Acquired by Duckhorn Portfolio, current winemaker Julien Howsepian (since 2019) expanded into Willamette Valley, Anderson Valley estates, and even Burgundy négociant wines.
Viticulture Philosophy
Sourcing from elite vineyards like Gap's Crown, Freestone, and estate holdings in Sonoma Coast, Russian River, and Willamette emphasizes old vines, low yields, and diverse clones for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay complexity. Coastal fog, marine winds, and varied soils foster balance, vibrancy, and site-specific expression across ambitious single-vineyard programs.
Winemaking Techniques
Whole-cluster fermentation, open-top fermenters, and precise extraction via pump-overs precede 12-16 months aging in French oak (20-40% new) for layered, plush Pinot Noirs; Chardonnays receive barrel fermentation, full malolactic, and lees aging for richness. Minimal intervention highlights fruit purity, spice, and structure in cult-favorite cuvées.
Critics and Journalist Praises
Kosta Browne commands Pinot Noir stardom, with Wine Spectator's #1 ranking cementing its elite status; consistent 95-100 point scores praise explosive red fruit, silky tannins, and Burgundian finesse from coastal gems. Critics hail Howsepian's era for world-class Chardonnay elevation and global ambition rivaling California's finest.
