Benchmark Wine Cellar
Occidental (Kistler) Pinot Noir Cuvee Catherine Occidental Station 2011
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.
Summary
The Occidental (Kistler) Pinot Noir Cuvee Catherine 2011 is a distinguished red wine crafted from the Occidental Station Vineyard in California, known for its cool maritime climate and unique soil composition. This wine showcases an impressive depth of flavor, with vibrant notes of black raspberry and boysenberry complemented by smoky Indian spices, cola, and hints of star anise. The palate is rich and concentrated, revealing a powerful fruit character alongside brisk, saline accents that enhance its precision. The wine's finish is long-lasting, leaving a complex blend of spicecake, mineral, and floral notes. With limited production and strong aging potential, this Pinot Noir exemplifies a bold and structured profile.
Tasting Notes
- WA93–95
- Brisk, saline notes give the 2011 Pinot Noir Occidental Station Cuvee Catherine much of its energy and precision. The Cuvee Catherine remains powerful and inward, but at the same time, there is a lot going on in the glass. The small clusters of the Calera clone in this site pack the wine with notable fruit intensity. Though still not fully formed, I sense quite a bit of promise here. Range: 93-95 Points
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