October 21, 2023 - Amazing floral nose, smooth palette throughout with an ending spice/clove on the finish.
Surprisingly dark and brooding. One of the finest California Pinots I have touched.
October 24, 2022 - Classic Occidental. Brilliant red fruit.
January 7, 2022 - Beautiful dark garnet color. Delicious, rich and nuanced. Great depth of flavor loaded with red fruit notes. This one is in a good place right now.
August 25, 2021 - Surprisingly developed
March 13, 2021 - My first taste of Occidental (any cuvee) and this is totally worthy of the Kistler name/legacy. Great fruit but supported by acid and alcohol to keep in balance. Long finish, just great in the mouth. Get more of this stuff.
January 12, 2021 - wow, what a difference a couple of years make. This wine is amazing, fully mature tasting with red and black fruits. Totally awesome. Wish I had another case.
November 3, 2020 - bad pqr
August 3, 2020 - Very dark red/purple for a Pinot, which was an indication of what was to come. Well structured with hints of dark cherry, red berries, pepper. Drinking well now.
May 12, 2020 - This ripe and layered wine still needs a few year to integrate, since right now it's good - but nowhere near great. Cherry red in color; medium in body; nose of pomegranate, and fresh mushroom stems. Tastes of sour cherry, rhubarb, and dried herbs, with an integrated finish that (at least for me) started off with a spritzy element that faded after a few hours of air. 14.1% alcohol. I wanted to like this wine more than I did, but maybe it just needs time. 92-93 for now.
May 10, 2020 - Wow - what an amazing Pinot Noir. Beautiful dark and red berry notes with some mushroomy notes in the background. Beautifully balanced tannins and a fresh acidity. Great depth and complexity. Long savory finish. Let it breathe for 1-2 hours.