2005 Pinot Noir Bodega Headlands Cuvee Elizabeth
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Tasting notes
Ruby-red. Earthy, mineral-driven bouquet reminded me of a Graves wine, with cherry and dark berry aromas complicated by fresh blood, smoked meat and dried rose. Deep, spicy flavors of sweet cherry and blackberry are given shape and grip by dusty tannins. Really intriguing wine, with serious depth and structure. This is utterly singular pinot noir, but I'm not sure I would have guessed the variety. This vineyard sits on a ridge right by the ocean.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Nearly perfect, the extraordinary 2005 Pinot Noir Bodega Headlands Cuvee Elizabeth is sourced from a windy, rocky site with a southeast exposure, and is a compelling effort made from the Calera clone. It exhibits DRC-like forest floor, violet, raspberry, and sweet black cherry notes intermixed with underbrush and spice. It possesses admirable purity, fabulous richness, a full-bodied, layered, multidimensional mouthfeel, and a finish that lasts nearly 50 seconds. This unreal Pinot should drink beautifully for 10-12 years. Another impressive group of Chardonnays from Steve Kistler, these 2006s are unmistakably Burgundian in their aromatics, textures, and flavor profiles. Kistler has given up on the highly fashionable Dijon clones, relying on old California clones, primarily old Wente selections. He feels the same about Pinot Noir, using the Calera and other older California clones rather than the Dijon selections. Previously Recommended: 2005 Chardonnay Durell (94-96), 2005 Chardonnay Dutton (94-96), 2005 Chardonnay Hirsch (90-93), 2005 Chardonnay Hudson (90-92), 2005 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard (94-96), 2005 Chardonnay Kistler Vineyard (95-98), 2005 Chardonnay Kistler Vineyard Cuvee Cathleen (96-100), 2005 Chardonnay McCrea Vineyard (93-95), 2005 Chardonnay Stone Flat Vineyard (95-97), 2005 Chardonnay Vine Hill Vineyard (94-96). (Release date Spring 2009) Tel. (707) 823-5603; Fax (707) 823-6709
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.