2014 Occidental Pinot Noir Bodega Headlands Cuvée Elizabeth
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Tasting notes
Stephen Kistler's own project. Pale crimson. Very pale rim. Lots of delivery. Fresh, frank fruit with a certain sweet jewel quality. Quite heady. Definitely not Burgundy but definitely not jammy. Fresh finish. Oak a bit more obvious than when I first tasted it. (JR)
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The highlight in this range from Occidental, the 2014 Pinot Noir Bodega Headlands Cuvée Elizabeth is brisk, perfumed and aromatic. It is also nowhere near as alluring for the near term as the Sonoma Coast or Occidental Station. Here the expression of fruit is intensely linear, with biting acidity and plenty of tannic underpinning. Blue and purplish-toned fruit, licorice, lavender and violet give the Bodega Headlands its distinct darker shades of expression. The flavors are both vivid and transparent. In my view, the Cuvée Elizabeth is the most complete of these wines. Don't miss it.
Medium ruby-purple colored, the 2014 Pinot Noir Bodega Headlands Cuvee Elizabeth has a compelling black pepper, garrigue and bay leaves laced nose over a core of Bing cherries, fresh raspberries and crushed cranberries, plus a waft of fertile earth. The medium-bodied palate fills the mouth with a wonderful intensity of pure red berry and earth-inspired flavors, with tons of spices and a great frame of grainy tannins, finishing very long and with moreish vibrancy.
Aromas of blackberry and plum with strawberries and flowers. Full body, round and silky with a bright acidity. Citrusy undertone. Love the finish to this. Focused and precise. Orange peel and salt. Better in 2020 yet already a beauty.
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.