The Golden Vine - Tasting Notes

Ken Brown Wines

2013 Pinot Noir Clos Pepe Vineyard Santa Rita Hills AVA

Clos Pepe Vineyard

Alcohol: 14.7%

This wine delivers the exquisite richness, aromatic intensity and complex flavor profile Clos Pepe Pinot Noir is known for. Aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry... This wine delivers the exquisite richness, aromatic intensity and complex flavor profile Clos Pepe Pinot Noir is known for. Aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry and fresh earth are complemented by nuances of black peppercorn, cinnamon, clove and a subtle stone component. Opulent flavors gracefully greet the palate with hints of black cherry, earth and a touch of coffee and baking spices on the finish. The wine is beautifully integrated, with velvety tannins, cool-climate acidity and refined texture all in balance. Silky and complex, this classic Pinot Noir culminates in a prolonged finish and will enjoy exceptional ageability.

Pairing Suggestion:

Varietal:

Pinot Noir

Alcohol: 14.7%

Ken Brown Wines

2013 Pinot Noir La Encantada Vineyard Santa Rita Hills AVA

La Encantada Vineyard

Alcohol: 14.5%

This wine is seductive and complex with perfumy aromatics and a succulent mouthfeel, thanks in part to the Swan clone used in this Pinot Noir for the first... This wine is seductive and complex with perfumy aromatics and a succulent mouthfeel, thanks in part to the Swan clone used in this Pinot Noir for the first time. Deeply concentrated aromas of ripe red cherry are accented by a touch of cinnamon stick and a stone component. Flavors of baked cherry, dark earth and a hint of leather are beautifully supported by a luscious texture and remarkably long finish. The wine’s superbly well-balanced tannins and layers of complexity assure great cellar potential.

Pairing Suggestion:

Varietal:

Pinot Noir

Alcohol: 14.5%

Ken Brown Wines

2013 Pinot Noir Radian Vineyard Santa Rita Hills AVA

Radian Vineyard

Alcohol: 14.7%

This is a profound cold climate Pinot Noir boasting a beautiful garnet color and incredible richness. The wine offers aromas of black cherry, raspberry... This is a profound cold climate Pinot Noir boasting a beautiful garnet color and incredible richness. The wine offers aromas of black cherry, raspberry and pomegranate with accents of wood smoke and roasted meat. An explosion of flavors includes hints of black raspberry and pomegranate with a touch of minerality and dark earth. The luxurious texture is richly layered, superbly balancing smooth tannins with a gentle thread acidity and setting the stage for outstanding aging potential. The exceptionally long finish culminates in a rich touch of roasted espresso bean.

Pairing Suggestion:

Varietal:

Pinot Noir

Alcohol: 14.7%

Ken Brown Wines

2014 Pinot Noir Rancho La Vina Vineyard Santa Rita Hills AVA

Rancho La Vina Vineyard

Alcohol: 14.1%

This Pinot Noir from Rancho La Viña displays a medium garnet color, rich undertones and an appealing brightness from the pure fruit expression. Aromas... This Pinot Noir from Rancho La Viña displays a medium garnet color, rich undertones and an appealing brightness from the pure fruit expression. Aromas of mixed berries are enhanced by hints of earth, anise and spice attributable to new French oak barrels. On the palate, flavors of black cherry and red currant are accented by hints of black peppercorn and grilled portabella mushroom. An opulent mid palate supported by velvety tannins gives way to a lingering finish with a perk of natural acidity and bright fruit. The wine will continue to grow in complexity with additional cellaring.

Pairing Suggestion:

Varietal:

Pinot Noir

Alcohol: 14.1%

Ken Brown Wines

2014 Pinot Noir Rita’s Crown Vineyard Santa Rita Hills AVA

Rita’s Crown Vineyard

Alcohol: 14.5%

This Pinot Noir from Rita’s Crown is extraordinarily complex with well integrated, complementary aromatics and flavors. Vibrant dark cherry and red plum... This Pinot Noir from Rita’s Crown is extraordinarily complex with well integrated, complementary aromatics and flavors. Vibrant dark cherry and red plum aromas mingle with hints of dark rose petals, cracked pepper and clove. On the palate, rich berry and ripe cherry flavors are enhanced by a touch of cinnamon, dark chocolate and vanilla bean. The rich Pinot Noir flavors, balanced acid profile and soft tannins give the wine an exceptionally luxurious texture from start to finish, assuring graceful development and excellent cellar potential.

Pairing Suggestion:

Varietal:

Pinot Noir

Alcohol: 14.5%

Ken Brown Wines

2013 Pinot Noir Zotovich Vineyard Santa Rita Hills AVA

Zotovich Vineyard

Alcohol: 14.3%

Pure, vibrant aromas of mixed berries and dark red cherry are accented by hints of pomegranate, black pepper and clove. The flavors are explosive on the... Pure, vibrant aromas of mixed berries and dark red cherry are accented by hints of pomegranate, black pepper and clove. The flavors are explosive on the palate with notes of dark cherry, berry, plum, fresh earth and a touch of seashell. The mouthfeel is lush and luxurious, thanks in part to the sandy soil component at Zotovich Vineyard. The wine’s bright acidity is perfectly balanced by an intrinsic richness from start to finish, ensuring superb cellar potential and even greater complexity as the wine ages.

Pairing Suggestion:

Varietal:

Pinot Noir

Alcohol: 14.3%

Ken Brown Wines

2015 Chardonnay Rita’s Crown Vineyard Santa Rita Hills AVA

Rita’s Crown Vineyard

Alcohol: 14.1%

This stunning Chardonnay offers fresh, expressive aromas of apricot and honeysuckle accented by hints of seashell, Meyer lemon zest and a touch of triple... This stunning Chardonnay offers fresh, expressive aromas of apricot and honeysuckle accented by hints of seashell, Meyer lemon zest and a touch of triple creme brie. The palate features enticing flavors of crisp pear, lemon curd, brioche and a hint of nutmeg. The rich texture is harmoniously intertwined with a crisp acid profile. The silkiness and complexity of the wine carry through to an opulent, yet bright finish. This Chardonnay will continue to develop, becoming even more complex with additional bottle age.

Pairing Suggestion:

Varietal:

Chardonnay

Alcohol: 14.1%

Ken Brown Wines

2014 Chardonnay Rita’s Crown Vineyard Santa Rita Hills AVA

Rita’s Crown Vineyard

Alcohol: 14.1%

This stunning Chardonnay offers expressive aromas of white nectarine and crisp Asian pear accented by hints of honey, seashell, cardamom and a touch of... This stunning Chardonnay offers expressive aromas of white nectarine and crisp Asian pear accented by hints of honey, seashell, cardamom and a touch of marzipan. The palette features enticing flavors of green apple, honeysuckle, peach nectar and a subtle aged cheddar component. The rich, viscous texture is harmoniously intertwined with a crisp acid profile. The silkiness and complexity of the wine carry through to an opulent, yet bright finish. This Chardonnay will continue to develop, becoming even more complex with additional bottle age.

Pairing Suggestion:

Varietal:

Chardonnay

Alcohol: 14.1%

Kenneth Volk Vineyards

2005 CABERNET SAUVIGNON Paso Robles AVA