CHEV., Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

To say that Michael Browne has had an outsized impact on California Pinot Noir in the 21st century would be an understatement, which is why we’re super excited to feature the 2019 CHEV. Russian River Pinot. This incredibly deep, soulful wine is the current project of Michael, who, in 1997 founded the eponymous winery Kosta Brown with Dan Kosta. That winery needs no introduction–within a decade or so it rocketed to fame, garnering countless awards and super high scores. Today it is one of the most coveted labels of Russian River Pinot Noir. CHEV., then, is like a solo album from the lead singer of a famous band (an apt comparison, since Michael is a huge music fan).  Browne Family Wines is the new(ish) venture for Michael Browne, one of the co-founders of the iconic Kosta Browne winery, and his wife Sarah. After Michael sold Kosta Browne, he and his wife purchased a small property a couple miles southeast of the Russian River, and it is here that they produce two labels: Cirq and CHEV.