Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2004 Pinot Noir Kistler Vineyard Cuvee Catherine Occidental Station boasts a glorious dark ruby/purple-tinged color as well as an extraordinary nose reminiscent of a Comte de Vogue Musigny Vieilles Vignes. Aromas of crushed rocks, violets, raspberries, sweet cherries, and a distinctive terroir character are present in this full-bodied effort. Oodles of vivacious fruit as well as wonderful freshness and palate penetration.
Range:94-95 -
Wine Spectator
Austere, with a flinty, mineral edge to the vivid berry, floral and subtle earth notes, gaining complexity and depth on the finish.
While the Russian River Valley is a large appellation with multiple climate zones and soil types, it is best known for cool-climate varieties, with Pinot Noir as the most celebrated. The grapes benefit from a reliable late afternoon flow of Pacific Ocean fog through the Petaluma Gap and along the Russian River Valley that ensures slow and steady ripening and the preservation of grape acidity. Today many of California’s most highly regarded Pinot Noir vineyards are in the Russian River Valley, along with its sub-appellation, Green Valley.
Historically Russian River Valley Pinot Noirs had bright red fruit and delicate earthy, mineral notes. But changes in viticultural and winemaking practices have led to stylistic changes in some of the region’s wines. Adjustments to canopy management, among other techniques, have resulted in riper fruit and bolder wines as well. These show flavors of black cherry, blackberry, cola, spice and darker, loamy earth tones, accenting traditional Pinot Noir notes of strawberry, raspberry and light cherry.