Kochana Pinot Noir Mil Vistas Vineyard Sonoma Coast 2022

Kochana – meaning "dearest" in Polish – is a love letter to family, sacrifice, and the paralyzing beauty of the Sonoma Coast. The label’s winemaker, Anie Peszynski-Jones, trained under the legendary Thomas Rivers Brown, and every ounce of this single-vineyard Pinot shows it. At just $18.95 a bottle, the only real question is whether you stop at two or three, or go straight to six for free shipping.

The name Kochana is Anie Peszynski-Jones's tribute to the family members who came before her – those who sacrificed and paved the way so she could follow her passion all the way to the fog-enmeshed hills of Occidental, California. Though Kochana is a newer label, Anie's résumé is anything but novice-level. She trained under the mentorship of Thomas Rivers Brown, one of the most decorated winemakers alive, and cut her teeth at wineries in Napa, Sonoma, and New Zealand. Her commitment to mastery has resulted in a micro-production Pinot Noir with a global depth of knowledge baked right in.

The fruit here comes from Mil Vistas Vineyard, an organically farmed site with Goldridge loam soils, thick coastal fog, and a slow, deliberate ripening season. Anie works with Burgundian clones (Dijon 115, Pommard 5, and Swiss 23) to coax out that elusive balance of earthy complexity and bright, juicy fruit that makes great cool-climate Pinot so magnetic.

In the glass, the nose is immediately seductive with dried rose petals, wild herbs, and a hint of forest floor. The palate opens with a burst of pomegranate, fresh raspberry, and black cherry, layered with spiced plum, dried lavender, and a savory earthiness that lingers beautifully. Tannins are silky and fine, and the acidity is bright and refreshing. Cool-climate in all the best ways, but never lean or hollow. At its original $50 retail, this bottle is genuinely worth every cent. But for 62% off – it borders on absurd. We have dwindling numbers left, and with free shipping on six or more, do yourself a favor and introduce someone you love to Kochana!

FOOD PAIRINGS: Go for a fancy grilled cheese – some caramelized onions, freshly shredded gouda, and roasted mushrooms piled onto fresh slices of sourdough, slowly toasted in rosemary butter in a cast iron skillet. Prepare to ascend straight to tranquility with this bright and zippy Pinot.