Cirq is a new project from Michael Browne, one of the founders of Kosta Browne in the Russian River Valley. Browne’s new label debuted with a 2011 Pinot Noir, and the estate so far is making just two Pinots in very limited amounts. Each of Browne’s wines comes from a single estate vineyard. One is the 13.5-acre Treehouse Vineyard, the other is the 30-acre Bootlegger’s Hill Vineyard. Both are at 750 feet and above the famous Russian River Valley fog line. Browne grew up in Wenatchee, a farming community in central Washington State, and as a kid he spent several summers performing in a youth circus, hence the name of his new label, which is a reference to his youthful circus days. Charlie Chenoweth, well-known in northern California wine circles for his expertise in vineyard management, planted the Pinot Noir vineyards for Cirq and is the estate’s vineyard manager.