2013 Bodega Headlands Cuvee Elizabeth Pinot Noir
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Tasting notes
2013 was the first year that the Kistlers were able to harvest and process the Occidental fruit at their winery in Bodega—before that, the wines were crafted at Kistler Vineyards in Forestville. “Out on the coast, we set good crops,” Steve Kistler remembers. "The weather was good, flowering was good. Clusters were relatively full, and in 2013 you even had to thin—you don’t have to thin out here very often.” Medium ruby in color, the 2013 Pinot Noir Bodega Headlands Vineyard Cuvée Elizabeth segues from initial tones of iodine and seaweed to waves of red cherry, cranberry, blood orange and iron. The medium-bodied palate explodes with highly concentrated red berry flavors and flourishes of citrus and bitters. It's structured by finely chalky tannins, and a crescendo of fresh acidity energizes the very long, nuanced finish. “To me, this wine is still pretty primary,” Steve says. “It’s so cool to see that the wine can be 10 years old and the secondary flavors are still yet to come.”
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Pale blueish crimson. Very pale rim. Impressive savoury subtlety if not intensity on the nose. Notably juicy and pretty. Precise, crystalline fruit. Already fresh and delicious. (JR)
The Pinot Noir Bodega Headlands Cuvée Elizabeth is dark and pliant, with terrific underlying energy that gives the wine its dynamic, vibrant personality. Dark cherry, plum, violet and spice all flesh out in the glass. A wine of pedigree and nuance, the Cuvée Elizabeth is super-expressive today, not to mention a real joy to taste.
About the producer
Steve Kistler is a man who needs little introduction. He founded, and – for almost 40 years – made the wines at, Kistler. Since leaving his eponymous estate in 2017, Kistler has been focused exclusively on Occidental, his new, family winery on the outer edges of the Sonoma Coast.