Kosta Browne Chardonnay Russian River Valley One Sixteen 2011

93 points California Grapevine: "Medium-light to medium golden yellow color; attractive, forward, intense, buttery, lemony, ripe pear and spicy baked apple aroma with mineral notes and traces of vanilla and butterscotch; medium-full to full body; forward, rich, deep, firmly structured, pear and green apple flavors with bright acidity and a slightly creamy mouthfeel; lingering aftertaste. While the fruit and oak are amply proportioned in this wine they are also very nicely balanced and well integrated. Very highly recommended. 14.5% alcohol; 2,191 cases; 100% barrel fermented; 100% malolactic fermentation; released Spring 2013. (Apr 2013)"

91 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Green-tinged gold. A complex bouquet evokes lime, lemongrass and white flowers, with a smoky, leesy overtone. Spicy, firm and precise, offering lively citrus zest flavors and a deeper touch of honeydew. Packs a punch but comes off lithe and nervy, with an exotic coconut quality and a lingering floral note on the very long finish. (May/Jun 2013)"

91 points Connoisseurs' Guide: "Although slightly subdued in the nose and a bit on the tight side even if showing nominal green-apple fruit beneath a well-tailored oaky veneer, this wine exhibits far more of most everything once in the mouth with plenty of fruity substance and energy to spare. That said, it is still on the firm side with respect to structure and balance, and it narrows a bit at the finish, but its lively fruit stays the course and does not lag in the least. Match this one up with scallops in cream sauce if patience comes hard, but our recommendation is that it be left to sit for another twelve months. (Sep 2013)"

'2013 California & Oregon Chardonnay Second Team All-Americans,' PinotFile: "14.5% alc., pH 3.32, TA 0.62, 2,191 cases. Sourced from six vineyards reflecting the Green Valley of the Russian River Valley appellation. Multiple clones. Named for Highway 116 (Gravenstein Highway) that cuts through the town of Sebastopol. Barrel and partially concrete egg fermented 15 months in 40% new French oak barrels. Moderate golden straw color and clear in the glass. Lovely aromas of honey, lemon curd, golden apple and butter brickle. Very beguiling on the palate with flavors of baked pear, apple, citrus, honey and caramel. Beautifully composed with bright acidity and good staying power on the finish. The best Chardonnay yet from Kosta Browne and a wine that competes with the top performers in the Russian River Valley. (1/2/14)"

Producer notes: "Our 2011 One Sixteen Chardonnay is sourced from six incredible vineyard sites in the Russian River Valley. Named after the Gravenstein Highway 116 which cuts through the town of Sebastopol, this wine embodies the true character of the Green Valley sub-appellation; a Chardonnay and Pinot Noir sweet spot within the Russian River Valley. The 2011 vintage is comprised of El Diablo, Heintz, Searby, Ulises Valdez and Martinelli’s Charles Ranch and Zio Tony Vineyards. These sites all have superb micro-climates, offering just the right amount of warmth during the day and very cool nights, which leads to intensely focused wine with generous natural acidity. Aromatics: This wine expresses beautiful aromas layered in green apple, lemon-lime citrus, orange blossom, honeysuckle and toasty tangerine. On the palate: Our One Sixteen Chardonnay exhibits lush lemon lime and tangerine citrus. The flavors are succulent, fresh and lively on the palate, with a supple vanilla crème brûlée texture. The finish gradually turns crisp with a final wash of mouthwatering natural acidity."