Kistler Occidental Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2015

New Occidental Pinot Noir release from Kistler. Limited. 94 points Antionio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2015 Pinot Noir (Freestone Occidental) is superb. Rich, dense and inviting, this Occidental's appellation wine captures the essence of the vintage in its radiant, enveloping personality. Dark red cherry, plum, lavender, licorice and spice notes abound in this exuberant, alluring Pinot. The 2015 shuts down very quickly with air, so I would not open it in advance. Ideally, though, readers should be prepared to hang onto these wines for at least a few years. The Occidental appellation wine now carries the Freestone Occidental designation. It is the same wine I previously reviewed as the estate's Sonoma Coast Pinot. Most importantly, though, it is fabulous." Once again, Occidental's Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) punches above its weight. Readers who want to understand how magical 2015 is for Pinot Noir in Sonoma might want to start here. The 2015 is vivid, precise and wonderfully nuanced from the very first taste. A host of dark red/purplish fruit, lavender, mint and rose petal infuse the deep, resonant finish. Far from an easygoing entry-level offering, the 2015 Sonoma Coast Pinot is a serious, powerful wine that will thrill readers for a number of years to come. The Sonoma Coast Pinot is the hidden gem in the Occidental range. Occidental is Steve Kistler's new Pinot Noir project, which is starting essentially as a spin-out from Kistler Vineyards. Steve Kistler remains CEO of Kistler Vineyards and very much in charge of day to day operations. At the same time, Kistler understandably wanted to manage a small project of his own with an eye towards his two younger daughters who will one day run Occidental.

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