1996 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
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Tasting notes
The 1996 Pinot Noir Kistler Vineyard exhibits a Vosne-Romanee/Richebourg-like violet, black cherry, and smoky-scented nose of considerable intensity. Full-bodied, with superb richness, admirable delineation, a lush, concentrated mid-palate, and black cherry, earthy notes in the spicy finish, this is another impressive, super-concentrated Pinot Noir with both complexity and equilibrium. It should drink well for a decade. It is easy to get excited about Kistler's Pinot Noirs. All are aged in 100% new oak, made in small lots (250-500 cases), and bottled with neither fining nor filtration. They are trying to keep the levels of SO2 to minimal dosages so the wines can be as expressive as possible. These Pinot Noirs can easily hold their own in blind tastings with the finest red Burgundies. Release date, 3/99. Tel. (707) 823-5603; Fax (707) 823-6709.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Dark red. Sappy, primal aromas of raspberry, orange rind, cherry cola, smoked meat, tarry oak and a pungent kernel of spice. Rich and deep, with maraschino cherry and dark berry flavors. A pinot with an impressive large structure; very long on the finish but the tannins are a bit elevated in the early going. Offers considerable potential.
About the producer
Kistler’s Chardonnays are some of the world’s most sought-after. This cult Californian producer crafts small volumes of exceptional, rich and generous, yet mineral and precise wines. With almost the entire production sold directly to their mailing list, the wines are also incredibly hard to find.