Cirq Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2021 (4-Pack)(OWC)

“CIRQ is Michael Browne's flagship wine from the Russian River Valley, aged for 15 months in 45% new French oak, 6% wood tank, and includes 7% whole cluster fermentation. The back labels change with each vintage and are designed by Chuck House. The fruit is sourced from several top vineyards, including Chenoweth Home Ranch near Treehouse and another site managed by Charlie Chenoweth near Occidental in the Sonoma Coast AVA. Additional sources include Coplan Vineyard on Olivet Road, which Michael has worked with since 2001, and Black Oak Vineyards, among others. Super fragrant, giving off brambly red fruit and intense spice notes from the whole cluster fermentation, with superb structure. Layers of warm tobacco, salted dark chocolate, and smoky blood orange combine with plenty of acidity and compact structure, making this a wine destined for cellaring. It's exceptionally well-made, with precision focus, length, and balanced tension, supported by a firm, soaring tannic backbone. Michael Browne explains that they rarely rack the wines. After harvest, the wine is allowed to settle overnight before being racked off the lees to avoid additional racking, with only a light dosing of sulphur. He prefers to blend near the end of each harvest. CIRQ is selected from the finest lots, but the blend is not pre-determined and varies from year to year. Michael grew up in Wenatchee, where he participated in the Wenatchee Youth Circus. This is why his wine is named CIRQ. His favourite memory from that time was being part of a large group of kids, learning how to perform tricks, and showcasing them in front of others. This experience taught him the importance of dedication, practice, and showmanship. CIRQ was founded in 2009 by Kosta Browne co-founder Michael Browne and his wife Sarah Browne, focusing on Pinot Noir from their stunning 6ha estate and winery in the heart of the Russian River Valley. They also make CHEV, a label established in 2013. The cellar features Sonoma Cast Stone and Noblot concrete eggs and tanks to enhance acidity and minerality. Michael likens winemaking to music and says, We are blenders. We are component people. In 2024, they hired Cabell Coursey to further elevate their craft.”

“Michael Browne of Kosta-Browne fame has a new project, and the results in this top-shelf beauty are worthy of a big score. A blend of ten different clones, it is nuanced and layered, with integration that can only come in a later-released wine like this. Rich cherry and berry fruit intermingle with well chosen oak toast and spice notes, along with dashes of dry earth and chicory that keep things on the complex side without becoming ponderous or clumsy. The finish is long and bright, adding a note of talc that makes the fruit pop. Stock up if you roll in this price tier — you will be happy for years. 97 Rich Cook”

“Pretty floral, cinnamon and cedar aromas, then brilliant acidity and moderate tannins for a lively, lifted expression in this top-end wine from Michael Browne, co-founder of Kosta Browne. The balance is fresh, the feel is linear and electric, with an energized palate and lingering finish. Drink now or hold.”

“Deep, dark and intense, this vintage of Michael Browne's Russian River Pinot will give fans exactly what they want. Black cherry, crushed raspberry and cola aromas swirl on the nose, while flavors of berry coulis, balsamic, shiitake mushroom and clove mingle on the broad and rich palate. This will evolve gracefully in the cellar for the next decade or more.”

“The 2021 Pinot Noir Estate is an elegant, luxurious wine. Plump and juicy but not at all heavy, the 2021 is wonderfully classy from start to finish. Succulent dark red cherry, pomegranate, blood orange and a kiss of new French oak race across the palate. Silky tannins and bright acids frame the long, persistent finish nicely. There’s a bit more restraint in Michael Browne’s wines these days, and that’s not a bad thing at all. This mid-weight Pinot is terrific. (Drink between 2024-2034). Antonio Galloni.”