Name: Occidental (Kistler) Pinot Noir Freestone-Occidental Vineyard 2020 750ml
Brand: Occidental (Kistler)
SKU: 916790
Price: 120.4 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 94.5 (4 reviews)

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Winery

Occidental (Kistler)

Shop all from Occidental (Kistler)

Varietal

Pinot Noir

Regularly described as being the grape varietal responsible for producing the world's most romantic wines, Pinot Noir has long been associated with elegance and a broad range of flavors The name means 'black pine' in French, and this is due to the fact that the fruit of this particular varietal is especially dark in color, and hangs in a conical shape, like that of a pine cone. Despite being grown today in almost every wine producing country, Pinot Noir is a notoriously difficult grape variety to cultivate. This is because it is especially susceptible to various forms of mold and mildew, and thrives best in steady, cooler climates. However, the quality of the fruit has ensured that wineries and vintners have persevered with the varietal, and new technologies and methods have overcome many of the problems it presents. Alongside this, the wide popularity and enthusiasm for this grape has ensured it will remain a firm favorite amongst wine drinkers for many years to come.

Country

United States

Of all the New World wine countries, perhaps the one which has demonstrated the most flair for producing high quality wines - using a combination of traditional and forward-thinking contemporary methods - has been the United States of America. For the past couple of centuries, the United States has set about transforming much of its suitable land into vast vineyards, capable of supporting a wide variety of world-class grape varietals which thrive on both the Atlantic and the Pacific coastlines. Of course, we immediately think of sun-drenched California in regards to American wines, with its enormous vineyards responsible for the New World's finest examples of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot based wines, but many other states have taken to viticulture in a big way, with impressive results. Oregon, Washington State and New York have all developed sophisticated and technologically advanced wine cultures of their own, and the output of U.S wineries is increasing each year as more and more people are converted to their produce.

Region

California

California as a wine producing region has grown in size and importance considerably over the past couple of centuries, and today is the proud producer of more than ninety percent of the United States' wines. Indeed, if California was a country, it would be the fourth largest producer of wine in the world, with a vast range of vineyards covering almost half a million acres. The secret to California's success as a wine region has a lot to do with the high quality of its soils, and the fact that it has an extensive Pacific coastline which perfectly tempers the blazing sunshine it experiences all year round. The winds coming off the ocean cool the vines, and the natural valleys and mountainsides which make up most of the state's wine regions make for ideal areas in which to cultivate a variety of high quality grapes.

Appellation

Sonoma Coast

Sonoma Coast, a prized wine appellation in California, stands out for its breathtaking landscapes and cool-climate viticulture. What makes Sonoma Coast unique is its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, bringing maritime influences that create ideal conditions for growing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. The region's diverse topography, including rolling hills and coastal ridges, allows for a range of microclimates, contributing to the complexity and character of its wines. Sonoma Coast wines, particularly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, are celebrated for their elegance, vibrant acidity, and expressive fruit flavors. Notable sub-appellations like Russian River Valley and Fort Ross-Seaview exemplify the diversity within the larger Sonoma Coast region. Winemakers embrace sustainable practices, further enhancing the appellation's appeal. Exploring Sonoma Coast offers wine enthusiasts a captivating journey into the synergy between land and vine, where the Pacific's influence shapes wines of remarkable finesse and distinct terroir expression.

WA 96pts

Wine Advocate

The 2020 Pinot Noir Freestone-Occidental is approachable and easy to drink without losing any sense of detail and nuance. It has generous aromas of cranberries, blackberries and blood orange with streaks of forest floor, aniseed and mossy bark. The light-bodied palate is finely chalky and fresh with a concentrated core of expressive fruit, and it has a long finish with a fan of bitters-like spices. It really opens up as it spends time in the glass, so give it a couple of hours in the decanter.

WS 95pts

Wine Spectator

Offers lots of energy, with a burst of plum and blackberry fruit backed by bouncy anise and bramble accents, all carried by fresh, lively acidity. Light savory details add range on the finish, as the fruit takes an encore. A bit showy in style, but most folks won't complain about that. Drink now through 2030.

JD 95pts

Jeb Dunnuck

The 2020 Pinot Noir Freestone-Occidental is highly aromatic and has a perfume of incense, all spice, and ripe red cherry fruit. The palate medium-bodied and inviting, with tangy cherry, dried black raspberry, and savory umami herbs. It offers a lot of pleasure now, but it will be fantastic to enjoy over the next 10 or more years.

VM 92pts

Vinous Media

The 2020 Pinot Noir Freestone-Occidental is gracious, aromatic and lifted. All the elements are so well balanced in this very pretty, mid-weight Pinot Noir. Crushed red berry fruit, mint, spice, white pepper and dried flowers all grace this exquisite, wonderfully nuanced Pinot. This might be the most remarkable of all the 2020 Pinots at Occidental, as it is technically the entry-level offering and yet is absolutely exquisite!

Winery Notes

The Freestone-Occidental wine shares the same winemaking techniques as Occidental's vineyard designated Pinot Noirs. Crystalline, bright, mouthwatering, and a bit salty with a saline mineral finish, the 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. It is delicious now and will develop nicely in bottle.

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Occidental (Kistler) Pinot Noir Freestone-Occidental Vineyard 2020 750ml

Case of 6

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