Occidental Freestone-Occidental Pinot Noir 2023

Occidental Freestone-Occidental Pinot Noir 2023 is the entry wine to Steve Kistler’s acclaimed Occidental project, yet it offers far more than ordinary introductory quality. Sourced from the Bodega Headlands, Occidental Station and Bodega Ridge vineyards, it captures the cool, maritime character of California’s Freestone-Occidental area through a precise and elegant expression of Pinot Noir.

Tasting Notes
Bright and lively in appearance, this Pinot Noir shows classic aromas of cherry, raspberry, cranberry and red forest berries, complemented by rose petal, iris and subtle spice. A distinctive saline minerality adds depth and reflects the vineyards’ proximity to the Pacific Ocean. On the palate, juicy red fruit is framed by vibrant acidity, fine-grained tannins and remarkable clarity. The wine is energetic and finely balanced, with a lightly salty, mineral character that contributes to its length and freshness. It is enjoyable now, but its structure and balance should allow it to develop gracefully over the next several years.

Production
The wine brings together fruit from three Occidental vineyards—Bodega Headlands, Occidental Station and Bodega Ridge—in the cool Freestone-Occidental area of the Sonoma Coast. The region’s Pacific influence promotes slow, even ripening and preserves the freshness, aromatic detail and mineral tension that define the wine. Specific harvesting and vinification details are not available.

Food & Serving
A versatile food wine, Occidental Freestone-Occidental Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with roast or grilled poultry, veal, mushroom dishes and delicately prepared salmon or other seafood. It also works especially well with Nordic-inspired cuisine and dishes featuring earthy or subtly savoury flavours. Serve lightly chilled at approximately 14–16°C. Decanting is not essential, but a short decant of 20–30 minutes can help reveal the wine’s aromatic complexity.

Producer
Occidental is Steve Kistler’s focused Pinot Noir project on the Sonoma Coast, centred on the cool, maritime vineyards around Freestone and Occidental. The project is recognised for its emphasis on site expression, purity and precision, with the influence of the Pacific Ocean playing a central role in the wines’ freshness and mineral character. This 2023 bottling reflects that distinctive house style across fruit from several of the project’s own vineyards.

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