2014 Occidental Pinot Noir Freestone-Occidental Sonoma Coast
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2014 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) is a tremendous appellation level Pinot. Deep, textured and resonant, the 2014 possesses striking depth and elegance not to mention impeccable overall balance. Succulent red cherry, smoke, licorice and blood orange infuse this deeply expressive Pinot Noir from Steve Kistler's Occidental winery. Readers who can find the 2014 should not hesitate. It is every bit as impressive from bottle as it was from barrel. Quite frankly, the Sonoma Coast Pinot is not that far off the level of the vineyard designates.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Once again, Occidental's Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) punches above its weight. Readers who want to understand how magical 2014 is for Pinot Noir in Sonoma might want to start here. The 2014 is vivid, precise and wonderfully nuanced from the very first taste. A host of dark red/purplish fruit, lavender, mint and rose petal infuse the deep, resonant finish. Far from an easygoing entry-level offering, the 2014 Sonoma Coast Pinot is a serious, powerful wine that will thrill readers for a number of years to come.
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.