“Welcome Back, Kosta” – Wine Spectator

You may know that prices have soared well above $100 for Kosta Browne over the years. So, finding one of those names attached to a Pinot with a huge break is a dream come true for the fans.

As Robb Report wrote, “the king of Sonoma Pinot Noir has created another outstanding winery. With his recently launched Convene by Dan Kosta, he has shown that lightning can strike twice in the same place.”

And it wasn’t long ago that Wine Spectator raved “Vintner Dan Kosta is back, albeit he never really left. A founder of California Pinot Noir powerhouse Kosta Browne, Dan has launched a new Sonoma Chardonnay and Pinot Noir project called Convene. The name translates on different levels - it refers to Kosta being back in the wine game and to working with his winemaker of choice, Shane Finely.”

Finley is the ‘secret weapon’ here, with a resume that covers the who’s who of Pinot Noir’s Hall of Fame including Copain, Paul Hobbs, Kosta Browne, Lynmar Estate, and Banshee to name a few. This man is a serial hitmaker, that’s for sure.

And this single vineyard trifecta from Campbell Ranch, Sunchase, and Starscape in 2019 drinks like silk now. Ripe, rich, smooth and supple, very complete, with loads of berries, red and black, bright acidity, and seamless texture, it’s long on the supple finish too. From a chunky cut of balsamic broiled salmon to tender and juicy BBQ ribs, this is the ultimate “pair me” experience waiting to happen. No wonder it was Christaldi’s top Pinot pick for Decanter!

Critics aside, it radiates with love recently on CellarTracker too, “Amazing nose on opening. Just the right amount of fruit. Became the evening’s favorite.” and “Cherry Bomb! If you like cherry fruit, this is the wine to buy.” and “Excellent!!!” and “Well-made wine at a VERY attractive price point.”

Wait a minute… if attractive at the full $62, what about today? PLAIN OLE HOT while it lasts!

94 Points – Decanter “Dan Kosta, of Kosta Browne fame (the iconic Pinot producer he co-founded is now owned by Duckhorn Wine Co.), launched this new project in 2022. The inaugural releases are all appellation blends crafted by winemaker Shane Finley. This Sonoma Coast Pinot was a real standout for me. Leading with brown spices, cola, sandalwood, black cherry, vanilla bean, and toast cedar. Full-bodied, with rich brown baking spices and dark berry fruit, bolstered by sappy tannins, flourishes of cherry pit, underbrush, and dried rose petals. The succulent fruit is ripe and fleshy with a blood orange acidity and a crushed cocoa nib finish. Fruit sources are Campbell Ranch, Sunchase, and Starscape vineyards. Drink 2022-2030.”