2020 PINOT NOIR, Freestone-Occidental. West Sonoma Coast, USA

The far west coast of Sonoma, overlooking the Pacific, is the only home of truly ‘cool climate’ viticulture in California. It gained its own AVA in 2022 but has been an impressive source of fine, delicate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay for a few decades.

100% Pinot Noir, matured in French oak (from Francois Frères) for a year (25% new wood).

Steve Kistler sold his family’s eponymous winery (renowned as the best Chardonnay producer in the state) and set up the ‘Occidental’ winery in 2011, but he had been farming and planting vineyards in the area since 1995.

This wine is a blend of three of his vineyards – Bodega Headlands, Occidental Station, and Bodega Ridge.

“Bright ruby colour. Squeaky clean on the nose, very clearly defined red fruits, a pop of red cherries and some herbal green spices. Satiny texture and fleshy red fruits make this soft, easy Pinot Noir shine. There is a light smokiness and a little alcoholic warmth, but this is masked well by the fruit. Hedonistic.” Jancis Robinson