Cirq, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, California, 2019

Overview of the Wine
Kosta Browne’s winemaker, Michael Browne, has debuted a new label with a circus theme specializing in Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. The first vintage produced an estate Pinot Noir from Treehouse Vineyard, and subsequent vintages will include an estate Pinot Noir from a second vineyard, Bootlegger’s Hill Vineyard.

Like many winemakers who have sourced Pinot Noir for their wines, Michael has dreamed of planting his own vineyard and making wine from it. He decided several years ago to pour significant resources into developing distinguished sites that could produce world-class Pinot Noir. Michael enlisted the services of noted vineyardist, Charlie Chenoweth, to plant his two vineyards.

Production will be very limited, with only two Pinot Noirs, each from a single estate vineyard. The 13.5-acre Treehouse Vineyard is located 8 miles inland from the Pacific Coast at an elevation of 750 feet above the fog line. Because it is above the fog, Treehouse receives more hours of sunshine than almost any other site in the Russian River Valley, yet benefits from the fog’s cooling effects. The vineyard is planted to 5 clones on 101-14 rootstock: Mariafeld 23 (35%), Swan, Pommard, Calera and Mt. Eden 37. Soils are iron-rich Franciscan. Remarkably, this vineyard delivers exceptional flavor, intensity and textures early in the ripening phase.

"It has always been my dream to plant a vineyard and make wine from it. Wines that are the highest quality obtainable. Wines that provide a lens on where they were grown. CIRQ is the realization of that dream.” –Michael Browne

The vision for CIRQ first took shape several years ago when Michael Browne & the CIRQ team discovered what they consider to be the best sites in the best region for Pinot Noir; the Russian River Valley. They made the commitment at that time to pour all of their resources into developing these sites.

Browne & Co. bring a high level of focus to the task. They farm two estate vineyards and produce a single estate Pinot Noir from each. Production is extremely limited for the simple reason that CIRQ is an estate-driven program. They’ve done this with one goal in mind: to provide enthusiasts with wines of uncommon breeding that delight their senses and connect them to these special places.

Grape / Blend
100% Pinot Noir

Origin
Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
On the nose, Boysenberry and cherry with light pastry cobbler and gentle aromas of savory spice, aged black tea, and vanilla bean..On the palate, Black cherry and juicy red plum intertwined with fresh earth and faint tobacco leaf. A seductive broad texture with vibrant acidity and a silky soft mouthfeel, followed by a suede finish with an earthy characteristic and a balancing high tone. Well-rounded with subtle, finely integrated tannins.

94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
The 2019 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is pure and ripe with raspberry liqueur, fresh violets, and elegant wood spice. The palate has a weightless feel, with an elegant structure and fully ripe tannins, fresh red fruit, and a floral lift. Drink it over the next 6-8 years.

Product size: 750ml