From Steve Kistler's first harvest in 1975 at the Ridge he developed a distinct preference for the coastal character of their coastal Occidental Vineyard zinfandel when compared to the other zinfandels in the cellar. Through his time at Kistler he built up his holdings on the Sonoma Coast convinced that many of California’s most compelling pinot noirs would come from these maritime sites in the future. Before founding Occidental in 2011 he started buying property and planting pinot noir in 1999 on these ridges surrounding Freestone Valley. Today they farm 85 acres of pinot noir vineyards in the Freestone-Occidental area and Steve works alongside not only many of the vineyard and winery team from his 25 years of success at Kistler but hsi daughters Catherine & Lizzie.
Occidental Pinot Noir Bodega Headlands Cuvee Elizabeth [En Primeur- due early 2024] 2020
14% abv
Vol- 75cl
With deep, savoury red and black fruit on the nose, this is fragrant and concentrated with a savoury twist. The palate is rounded and rich but still just so juicy and succulent. There is such a fine line of mineral purity that runs through this, completely lifting the round, sweet, red and black cherry fruit. A hint of orange zest appears but this is more about tart, slightly earthy raspberries. The wine has a singing vibrancy, despite the softer feel. Delicious. Drink 2024 to 2036.
Catriona Felstead MW, March 2023
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2020 | Bonded | California | North America | Occidental | Pinot Noir | Red | Sonoma | Still | USA | Wine- Reference #:
- 19384_B
- Strength
- 14 ABV
- Bottles per Case
- 6 bottles
- Grapes
- Pinot Noir
- Organic
- No
- Biodynamic
- No
- Vegan
- No
- Vegetarian
- No
- Sparkling
- No