Kosta Browne One Sixteen Chardonnay 2023

Wine Type: White
Style: Premium Russian River Valley Chardonnay; textured, elegant, citrus-driven, mineral, refined
Vintage: 2023
Bottle Size: 750ml
Grape Variety: Chardonnay
Appellation: Russian River Valley AVA
Country: United States
Region: Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California
Producer: Kosta Browne
Winemaker: Julien Howsepian
Vineyard: Selected cool-climate Chardonnay vineyards throughout the Russian River Valley, particularly sites influenced by the coastal fog and cooling effects of the Russian River
Soil: Goldridge sandy loam and other well-drained, marine-influenced soils
Farming: Sustainably managed vineyard sources; meticulous canopy management and selective harvesting
Alcohol: Not confirmed for the 2023 vintage
Fermentation: Small-lot fermentation in French oak barrels and other neutral vessels, with careful temperature management to preserve freshness and aromatics
Aging: French oak barrel aging with restrained new-oak influence; exact 2023 élevage and barrel percentages not confirmed
Food Pairings: Seared scallops, lobster, roast chicken, grilled halibut, mushroom risotto, Dungeness crab, creamy pasta, aged Comté

Tasting Note:
Kosta Browne’s 2023 “One Sixteen” Chardonnay is a beautifully layered expression of the Russian River Valley, balancing richness with remarkable freshness and precision. Meyer lemon, ripe pear, white peach, green apple, citrus blossom, toasted hazelnut, and subtle baking spice unfold across a generous, finely textured palate. Coastal influences preserve vibrant acidity, while careful oak aging adds depth and a gentle creaminess without overwhelming the fruit. Elegant and concentrated, with a long, mineral-driven finish that showcases the sophistication of cool-climate Sonoma Chardonnay.

About the Producer:
Kosta Browne was founded in 1997 by Dan Kosta and Michael Browne, who began making small quantities of Pinot Noir while working together at a restaurant in Santa Rosa. What started as a modest project quickly became one of California’s most celebrated wineries, earning a reputation for expressive, vineyard-driven Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the state’s finest cool-climate regions. Today, winemaker Julien Howsepian continues the estate’s focus on meticulous vineyard selection, small-lot fermentation, and thoughtful oak aging. “One Sixteen,” named for Highway 116, which winds through the Russian River Valley, highlights the region’s exceptional potential for Chardonnay, combining coastal freshness with depth, texture, and elegance.