Occidental Freestone-Occidental Pinot Noir 2021, Sonoma Coast,California

Occidental is Steve Kistler’s new Pinot Noir project with a singularr focus – to make world-class Pinot Noir from unique sites on the headlands in the Freestone-Occidental area. The Occidental vineyards define the western edge of where Pinot Noir can be grown successfully on the Sonoma Coast. Planted atop a southern-exposed ridge at elevations of 400-750 feet, these sites look west over pastoral lowlands below to the Pacific Ocean, just 5 miles away. The Freestone-Occidental Pinot Noir includes a blend of fruit from Bodega Headlands, Occidental Station, and Bodega Ridge vineyards. It also shares the same winemaking techniques as the vineyard-designated pinot noirs. All pinot noirs are fermented with native yeasts and native malolactic bacteria. The wine expresses the same energy, precision, and purity of flavor that gives all of Occidental’s wines lift and perfume, along with the deeper soil tones that contribute to its complexity. Made entirely from free-run juice, it is delicious now and will develop nicely in bottle. The 2020 Freestone-Occidental wine shares the same winemaking techniques as our vineyard designated pinot noirs. Crystalline, bright, mouthwatering, and a bit salty with a saline mineral finish, the 2020 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. Its modest alcohol (13.3%) makes this wine a perfect complement to any meal. It is delicious now and will develop nicely in bottle.