Benchmark Wines by
Occidental
The Winery
Occidental
“Layers of rich, textured fruit build to the intense, breathtaking finish. This remarkably vivid, pedigreed Pinot Noir simply has it all. What a wine.”
–Antonio Galloni
Founder and winemaker of the esteemed Chardonnay-producing Kistler Vineyards, Steve Kistler, launched a Pinot Noir label called Occidental in 2011. The wines are produced from fruit coming from three different vineyards in the Freestone-Occidental AVA in Sonoma: Bodega Headlands, SWK Vineyard, and Occidental Station. Because of their proximity to the Sonoma Coast, there are extremely low corp levels in these vineyards, and the wine produced maintains its acidity as well as balance and richness from the native yeast fermentation practice and small usage of new oak treatment. Occidental wines are a true testament to Steve Kistler’s passion and continue to show expressions of fruit that is true to the site.
Tasting Notes
- WA97
- Medium ruby-purple colored, the 2014 Pinot Noir Bodega Headlands Cuvee Elizabeth has a compelling black pepper, garrigue and bay leaves laced nose over a core of Bing cherries, fresh raspberries and crushed cranberries, plus a waft of fertile earth. The medium-bodied palate fills the mouth with a wonderful intensity of pure red berry and earth-inspired flavors, with tons of spices and a great frame of grainy tannins, finishing very long and with moreish vibrancy.
- V97
- The highlight in this range from Occidental, the 2014 Pinot Noir Bodega Headlands Cuvée Elizabeth is brisk, perfumed and aromatic. It is also nowhere near as alluring for the near term as the Sonoma Coast or Occidental Station. Here the expression of fruit is intensely linear, with biting acidity and plenty of tannic underpinning. Blue and purplish-toned fruit, licorice, lavender and violet give the Bodega Headlands its distinct darker shades of expression. The flavors are both vivid and transparent. In my view, the Cuvée Elizabeth is the most complete of these wines. Don't miss it.
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