1997 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
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Tasting notes
The 1997 Pinot Noir Kistler Vineyard (500 cases) is made from the Dijon clone 777, and two California clones, Pommard and Calera. It boasts a dense, saturated dark ruby/purple color, as well as an exceptionally sweet nose of roasted herbs and black cherry jam intermixed with raspberries, truffles, and toasty oak. Sweet and expansive, this full-bodied wine possesses fabulous concentration and purity, a grand cru-like level of potential complexity, and a 30+-second finish. It must be tasted to be believed. Look for this wine to be drinkable upon release, and last for at least a decade. This wine is among of the most spectacular Pinot Noirs I have ever tasted. 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, 3/00. Tel. (707) 823-5603; Fax (707) 823-6709.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Deep red-ruby color. Sappy, floral aromas of crushed red fruits, cola, bitter chocolate and pungent oak. Concentrated, clean and deep on the palate; a substantial, rich wine whose new oak scents currently mute its flamboyant raspberry and cherry flavors. I'd be a bit more confident about the future of this bottle if the oak had not turned a bit tarry with aeration.
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.