2003 Kosta Browne Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

[dananne]

Dark garnet in the decanter, where it sat for about 20 minutes before 1st pour. Aromas of red plum and black cherry, with a bit of smoke. Great burst of red fruits on entry, with some cinnamon and prickly spiciness coming on late. Good, silky texture in the mouth, really evoking good RRV Pinot. Medium weight, with appropriate acidic balance. I do have to fault the heat on the finish, as this sports 15.25% alc. That's the only quibble, though it's enough to question the 93 tagged on it by WS. Ran us about $50. The elevated heat on recent vintages caused us to pass on the mailing list -- it seems they're pushing the envelope with alc levels, but it evidently pays off with elevated WS scores. We preferred a 2002 Kanzler Vineyard one we had about a year ago, which was much more moderate with the alc, at 14-something % (didn't bother to look it up). Overall enjoyable experience in the end, though.