Kosta Browne Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2020 (75cl, 14.1%)

A 2020 single-appellation Pinot Noir from Sta. Rita Hills in Santa Barbara County, California, bottled at 14.1% ABV in a 750 ml bottle. The fruit comes from benchmark vineyards including Sanford & Benedict, Hilliard Bruce and Rita's Crown, where Pacific fog and wind moderate temperatures and extend hang time. The 2020 harvest began about two weeks early after heat spikes, then stretched five more weeks as cooler conditions slowed ripening. The nose shows warm dark cherry, black raspberry, wild violet, rose petal, cinnamon and smoked tea leaf. The palate is round and richly textured, with concentrated dark fruit, baking spices, fresh tarragon and garden herbs. The finish is long, with lavender, wild sage, cherry-cola, licorice and vanilla.