Kistler Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2024

Kistler is at the top of the list of the most collectible, widely adored, desperately desired names in the California Pinot Noir and Chardonnay game. If you get your hands on some, expect to hear from wine friends near and far to see if you’d be willing to share a glass. With fewer than five cases of the new 2024 Pinot Noir release, you might just have the chance… if you move quick!

Kistler has been around since 1978, founded by Steve Kistler and Mark Bixler, producing some of the most Burgundian styles of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that you’ll find in California. Steve managed the vineyard and winemaking, while Mark (a PhD in chemistry) handled the business, lab, and sales. Their vision of creating wines true to their origin site was ahead of its time for the region, and their mastery of such a concept has shot them to cult-level superstardom ever since. Since 2017, Jason Kesner has led winemaking following Steve’s retirement, continuing the focus on native yeast fermentation, minimal intervention, and restrained, Old World styles of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Most of their single-vineyard wines command prices ranging from $100-$200 (rightfully so), but this Pinot Noir is more of an entry-level offering that delivers many of the same characteristics as their pricier bottles, for a much more attainable price. Entry-level in price only, I promise. 

The 2024 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is sourced from a thoughtfully chosen selection of coastal sites that receive benefits from the Pacific fog and coastal breezes to slow ripening and capture acidity. This is all freshness and precision, with fragrant notes of muddled strawberries, black cherries, and raspberries layered atop red rose, cardamom, cinnamon, and musky leaves on a forest floor. Gentle spice and a soft minerality on the finish really make this such an utter delight.

The 2024 vintage was a fantastic harvest for Sonoma – with some growers proclaiming it as the very best of the last fifty years. “Smooth,” “outstanding,” and of particularly high quality overall… and you can bet that the masterful team at Kistler made the most of the exceptional conditions to produce some of their finest wines to date! The only drawback to the year was a slight decrease in yield, making these always precious bottles a bit more dear than usual. Get yours while the gettin’s hot!