Occidental 2022 Pinot Noir Freestone-Occidental Vineyard

Occidental 2022 Freestone‑Occidental Pinot Noir captures the refined coastal elegance of the Sonoma Coast with striking clarity. It offers vibrant red fruits, saline-driven minerality, polished tannins, and a long, precise finish. Perfect for both near-term enjoyment and rewarding long-term cellaring.

🌄 Terroir & Origins

• Sourced from multiple coastal headland vineyards in the high-elevation Freestone‑Occidental region of Sonoma Coast AVA. These steep, marine-influenced sites sit above the fog layer with deep soils and rugged topography

• Crafted by Steve Kistler’s signature project leveraging free-run juice only, emphasizing delicacy and purity in a limited production run (~4,000 cases)

👃 Aromatics & Palate

• Crisp, crystalline entry with bright red fruits—strawberry, cherry, red plum—lifted by flinty-mineral and saline notes

• Structured yet elegant: a graceful balance of finesse and tension, beautifully sculpted tannins, modest alcohol (~13.3%), making it wonderfully food-friendly

🔚 Finish & Aging Potential

• The palate finishes vibrant and long, with lingering saline-mineral accents—a hallmark of the Freestone coastal influence

• Already approachable, yet has excellent development potential through 2030+, rewarding patience in the cellar

⭐ Recognition

• Garnered high praise from critics and retailers: praised for its precision, purity, and lift

• Frequently featured among top Pinot Noirs from the region, including Wine Spectator’s 2023 Top 10 lists

🍽️ Food Pairing

• Modestly light-bodied and acidic—pairs beautifully with seared salmon, roasted pork tenderloin, mushroom risotto, or charcuterie. Its coastal salinity complements a wide range of dishes elegantly.

✅ Summary