2023 Occidental ‘Freestone-Occidental’ Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

WS95 A tightly focused beam of bitter cherry, damson plum and raspberry coulis streams through this red, with mouthwatering cut in the form of ocean breeze minerality that runs throughout. Iris and rose hip notes fill in the background as the long, piercing finish shows a remarkably pure and unadorned feel. A high-definition Pinot. Drink now through 2035. 3,650 cases made.
Estate Notes: The 2023 Freestone-Occidental wine shares the same winemaking techniques as our vineyard designated pinot noirs. Crystalline, bright, mouthwatering, and a bit salty with a saline mineral finish, the 2023 Freestone-Occidental evokes juicy red berries and a near perfect balance of finesse and energy – of bright, primary red fruits and saline elements. It conveys outstanding precision and lift in the mouth and finishes vibrant and long with beautifully sculpted tannins. Its modest alcohol (13%) makes this wine a perfect complement to any meal. It is delicious now and will develop nicely in bottle.

Steve Kistler, founder and winemaker of Kistler Vineyards for 37 years, has established a new pinot noir brand “Occidental” which is owned and operated by the Kistler family.
Occidental is dedicated to the production of world-class pinot noir from the Freestone-Occidental area.
Occidental built a state-of-the-art winery on a ridge top next to the Bodega Headlands Vineyard overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Peak capacity is planned to be 7500 cases of pinot noir. The new winery was completed in August of 2013 just in time for the harvest.
Currently, Occidental produces three vineyard designated pinot noirs: Bodega Headlands, SWK Vineyard, and Occidental Station. These extreme coastal sites are among the coldest and latest ripening vineyards in the Freestone-Occidental area.