Occidental Freestone-Occidental Pinot Noir 2023

Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Produced by Steve Kistler, founder of Kistler Vineyards, the Occidental brand focuses on Pinot Noir production in the Freestone-Occidental region from three vineyards (Bodega Headlands, SWK Vineyard, and Occidental Station). The state-of-the-art oceanfront winery, completed in 2013, is located adjacent to the Bodega Headlands vineyard. The Pinot Noir grapes are carefully selected from the estate's three vineyards. After harvest, fermentation occurs spontaneously, as with all Occidental wines, with indigenous yeasts. In the glass, the Freestone-Occidental Pinot Noir reveals a brilliant, crystalline color with ruby red hues. Its aromatic profile is vibrantly fruity with notes of cherry, small red berries, and raspberry coulis, followed by floral notes of iris and wild rose on a slightly saline and mineral background. On the palate, it is complex and balanced, energetic and juicy. The tannins are well-defined and perfectly integrated. It has a medium-full body and a well-balanced alcohol component. It is lively and appetizing with a long finish that evokes saline and mineral elements. It is very versatile when paired with food; it goes well with pork, tomato tarte tatin, mushroom risotto, and salmon, but its ideal food match is game birds.