2014 Occidental Pinot Noir SWK Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The 2014 Pinot Noir SWK Vineyard has striking aromas of aniseed, pipe tobacco, sage, pepper and Earl Grey tea leaves, offering new details with each return to the glass. The light-bodied palate is bursting with wild berry flavors and savory undertones. It’s structured by velvety tannins, and a crescendo of fresh acidity lures you back for another sip on the long, nuanced finish.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The 2014 Pinot Noir SWK Vineyard is the most reticent of these Pinots, as it was last year. Intense fruit and structure come together, but the wine is not at all ready to give everything it has. Dark red and purplish fruit overtones are lifted by the wine's bright acidity and tannic underpinnings. This nervous, taut Pinot needs a few years to settle down, but it has tremendous promise.
So much oyster shell and blue berry aromas. Plus mushroom. Full body, spicy and minerally. Lots of white pepper undertones and intensity. Electric. Long and lively. Beautiful fruit. Why wait? Drink now.
Pale cherry red. Light nose and notably sweet palate entry with some cough medicine notes and grainy tannins on the end. Masses of energy but still pretty youthful. Quite dry fruit character. Needs time. (JR)
About the producer
Steve Kistler is a man who needs little introduction. He founded, and – for almost 40 years – made the wines at, Kistler. Since leaving his eponymous estate in 2017, Kistler has been focused exclusively on Occidental, his new, family winery on the outer edges of the Sonoma Coast.