More About 2018 KOSTA BROWNE ONE SIXTEEN CHARDONNAY The 2018 Kosta Browne One Sixteen Chardonnay is built as a distilled expression of the Russian River Valley’s most prized cool-climate sites, drawing fruit from a carefully selected group of vineyards that includes Ritchie, Keefer Ranch, Bootlegger’s Hill, Zio Tony, Laguna Valdez, Winner’s Circle, Charles Ranch, El Diablo, and Rued. Rather than spotlighting a single parcel, One Sixteen captures the breadth of the appellation, weaving together vineyards shaped by fog, marine air, and long growing seasons. The 2018 vintage, marked by moderate conditions and extended hang time, allowed this mosaic of sites to deliver fruit with natural balance, preserved acidity, and layered aromatic depth. In the cellar, the wine is guided by restraint and intention rather than embellishment. The Chardonnay undergoes 100% native yeast fermentation, followed by native malolactic fermentation, with regular lees stirring during malolactic to build texture and complexity. Fermentation takes place almost entirely in French oak barrels, with a small portion in foudre, before aging for approximately 14 months in French oak, just under forty percent new. These choices lend breadth and structure while allowing the vineyards’ character to remain the central voice. Nothing in the élevage overwhelms the wine’s line or freshness; instead, the winemaking amplifies what the sites naturally provide. In the glass, the 2018 One Sixteen Chardonnay presents a profile that is both generous and precise. Ripe orchard fruit and citrus tones are framed by subtle oak and a savory, mineral-driven undertow that speaks to the region’s cool soils and coastal influence. The palate carries weight without heaviness, moving from a supple, layered entry through a focused mid-palate and finishing with length and clarity. It is this balance of richness and energy that has earned the wine significant critical acclaim, including a 97-point evaluation, and has cemented One Sixteen as a benchmark expression of Russian River Chardonnay. The result is a wine that feels complete, confident, and deeply expressive of its origin, rewarding both immediate enjoyment and thoughtful contemplation.