Occidental Pinot Noir Cuvée Elizabeth Bodega Headlands Vineyard Sonoma Coast 2012

Occidental is the highly-lauded project of famed winemaker Steve Kistler and his family. Steve is most well-known for his eponymous label, Kistler Vineyards, which has been dedicated to making world-class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from California’s north coast for over 30 years. Situated just 4 miles from the Ocean in western Sonoma’s Bodega Headlands, Occidental currently has 85 acres of primarily Pinot Noir planted to a proprietary selection from Grand Cru Vosne-Romanée clones on Riparia Gloire and 101?14 rootstocks. The vineyards benefit from an ideal south-facing aspect (not shared by neighboring sites), as well as the Petaluma Gap’s cold, windy climate. In fact, the area rarely sees temperatures over 80 degrees. In short, it is a wonderland for Pinot Noir. Similar to his philosophy at Kistler Vineyards, Steve embraces a “less is more” approach to viticulture and winemaking at Occidental.