OCCIDENTAL
2021 PINOT NOIR
FREESTONE-OCCIDENTAL
SONOMA COUNTY
Steve Kistler worked his first harvest for Ridge Vineyards in 1975 and noticed early on the difference in the character of the cool climate, coastal fruit versus fruit grown in warmer vineyards further inland, and developed a taste for the marine-influenced wines.
Steve became enamored with Pinot Noirs from the extreme western Sonoma Coast having originally worked with fruit from the Flowers and Hirsch Vineyards.
He opened Kistler Vineyards in 1978 and has been a Pinot Noir pioneer since the early 1990s, seeking out ridges and terraces near the small town of Bodega that he believes have the ideal soil and climate for producing world-class, Burgundian-styled wine.
After selling his stake in Kistler Vineyards in 2008, Steve embarked on a new project named Occidental focused on cool-climate Pinot Noir of the utmost quality. He began to plant Pinot Noir in 2001 on a property he purchased in the Bodega Headlands. He accumulated more acreage in the Occidental area of the western most regions of Sonoma Coast and today farms about 85 acres with his daughter Catherine, who joined Occidental as assistant winemaker in 2017.
Steve’s latest release of the 2021 Freestone-Occidental Pinot Noir comes from the Bodega Headlands, Occidental Station, and Bodega Ridge vineyards and shares the same winemaking regimen as their single vineyard Pinots and shines with a bright, focused energy that will develop nicely over time.
OCCIDENTAL
2021 PINOT NOIR
FREESTONE-OCCIDENTAL
SONOMA COUNTY
$69.99
“The Occidental Freestone-Occidental Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2021 begins with an evocative nose of cherry cough drop, cola bean, salami, Spring florals, and dried herbs. The gorgeous, penetrating palate continues with bright red fruits, fresh mixed berries, sweet dark cherries, bay leaf, and a saline minerality. It balances power and elegance in a way that beautifully expresses the best characteristics of the Pinot Noir varietal. The long, drawn-out finish and mouth-quenching acidity make it an amazing treat that I can’t wait to enjoy again.” 95 Points | Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
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Customers that enjoy Occidental’s Freestone-Occidental Pinot Noir, may also enjoy these two outstanding Sonoma Coast Pinots…
FLOWERS
2021 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
Retails at: $60.00
Members’ price: $49.99
“This has nice tension and tannic framing. Full-bodied, firm and lightly chewy with freshness, and spicy character to the ripe strawberry and cherry on the finish.”
93 Points | James Suckling
Winery Notes
“A beautiful mix of red and blue fruit on the nose unfolds with distinctive layers of violets, spice notes, and the fresh, haunting quality of an evergreen forest. Hints of blueberries join a burst of cherry on the palate, grounded and brightened in equal measure by fine-grained tannins and deliciously juicy acidity.”
DuMOL
2020 PINOT NOIR
WESTER REACH
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Members’ price: $75
“Spicy, high-toned and strong in tannin, this is an impressive wine in its youth that will only get better. Cardamon, rose petal, black tea and tree bark give it a savory edginess that appeals and adds to the overall complexity and measured weight, finishing bright and fresh. Enjoy best 2030–2035. “
96 Points | “Cellar Selection” | Wine Enthusiast
“The 2020 Pinot Noir Wester Reach is one of Dumol’s larger cuvées, and production was normal despite the challenges of the vintage (3,750 cases). It has alluring purity on the nose, with scents of cranberries, rhubarb, tobacco leaves, orange peel and aniseed. The medium-bodied palate is concentrated and powerful without losing detail, framed by powdery tannins and refreshing acidity. It offers an array of spice and floral accents on the finish. Lovely!”
94 Points | The Wine Advocate
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WARNING: Drinking distilled spirits, beer, coolers, wine and other alcoholic beverages may increase cancer risk, and, during pregnancy, can cause birth defects. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/alcohol.
