2023 Laguna Ridge Pinot Noir
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Tasting notes
The 2023 Pinot Noir Laguna Ridge Vineyard opens with wafts of flint, damp earth and mushrooms that give way to nuances of cranberry, pomegranate, bergamot and black tea leaves. The medium-bodied palate is elegant and refined, its concentrated, detailed flavors structured by tea-like tannins. It’s balanced by vibrant acidity and has a long, expressive finish.
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Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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A deeper magenta-toned color, the 2023 Pinot Noir Laguna Ridge Vineyard is deep with notes of violets, black raspberries, fresh leather, and mossy earth. It offers full-bodied richness, with plush, well-defined tannins, refreshing acidity, and a long, snappy, fresh finish. I love this one, and while it has a hint of opulence, it has good freshness and definition to hold it through a long finish. Drink 2027-2047. Located in the Russian River Valley, Kistler is led today by winemaker Jason Kesner, who continues the long tradition of working from a singular clone of Chardonnay with Burgundian lineage that Steve Kistler, now of Occidental Wines, began in the 1980s. The wines for this report were tasted at the winery this spring.
The 2023 Pinot Noir Laguna Ridge brings together all the elements that make these wines so alluring, in the style that defines Kistler these days. Red fruits, blood orange, spice, menthol and rose petal soar from the glass. This vertical, mid-weight Pinot has so much to offer. I admire its poise and balance.
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.