The philosophy behind Cirq is simple: select the highest-quality pinot noir grapes that reflect the Russian River Valley terroir, craft with precision and produce exceptional wines to enjoy for years to come.
This boutique wine brand’s commitment to perfecting this varietal has earned them the 2023 title of Best Pinot Noir by NorthBay biz readers.
“It is truly an honor and validation of all the hard work our team puts in to create the very best wine and experience with every glass,” says Michael Browne, proprietor of Cirq and Browne Family Wines. “We love to hear positive feedback from people whenever they’ve tried our wines. Our goal is simply to craft a tasty beverage that connects people together and brings enjoyment.”
Browne’s winemaking journey began in 1997 with the establishment of Kosta Browne Wines, in partnership with Dan Kosta. The brand gained quick success, and Browne gained the practice and skill to later build the family-owned winery and vineyard he and his wife Sara had always dreamed of. Cirq was established in 2009, and in 2011 they produced its first vintage.
Also under the Browne Family Wines label is Chev, consisting of chardonnay and pinot noir from the Russian River Valley and beyond. Expert winemaker Jeremiah Timm leads the winemaking team for both brands.
Inspiration behind the brand comes from Browne’s teenage years spent in the Wenatchee Youth Circus of his hometown Wenatchee, Washington. “It was from my time learning how to breath fire, tightrope walk, unicycle, to becoming a trapeze artist that I learned about taking risks, to keep going after failure and the realization of achievement.” He connects his experience in the circus to the excitement of being in the wine industry, creating the name and motif for the brand.
The Brownes purchased their Russian River estate in 2018, and welcome visitors on a limited basis. The 2018 vintage is one of Michael Browne’s favorites, as is their first vintage from 2011, which he says is still aging beautifully.
Cirq takes its time aging its wines, only releasing once they’ve had ample time to develop and mature in their cellars. Browne encourages consumers to let their wines continue to age after purchase for the optimal experience.
Browne and the rest of the Cirq team’s passion for pinot runs deep. Through their Cirq wines, Browne hopes to illustrate “that Russian River Valley pinot noir is something not just to be enjoyed young, but to be laid down and cherished years, decades later.”
203 thoughts on “Best Pinot Noir: Cirq”
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