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Occidental

I have been looking forward to the Occidental 2021s since I tasted the Freestone-Occidental bottling a few months ago. The 2021s were picked on what Steve and Catherine Kistler call "the early edge of ripeness." Yields were two tons per acre, a bit higher than in most recent years. Time on skins was 21-24 days, with native ferments and malos. The wines were aged in French oak (25% new) and racked to tank in July 2022 prior to bottling in December 2023. As a reminder, there are six Pinots in the range. The Freestone-Occidental is the entry-level Pinot. The Bodega Headlands Vineyard Cuvée Elizabeth and SWK emerge from Steve Kistler’s home ranch, the property that is adjacent to Platt, while the Running Fence Vineyard Cuvée Catherine and Bodega Ridge are sourced from newer plantings that surround the winery. The Occidental Station is the only Pinot that is sourced from a vineyard that lies further east and not in the immediate vicinity of the estate. All of the 2021s are gorgeous but also very young. I won't be surprised if some or all of them show even better with time in bottle. That has certainly been my experience in the past.

From 2022 Sonoma: A First Look (Jan 2024) by Antonio Galloni

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2021 Pinot Noir Freestone-Occidental

Release Price: $65

Color: Red

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