2022 Occidental Pinot Noir Cuvée Catherine Running Fence Vineyard
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2022 Pinot Noir Running Fence Vineyard Cuvee Catherine is a deep ruby red hue and comes from a site behind the ranch at the top of the property. So pretty on the nose with notes of black raspberries and kirsch, it’s briny and savory with the sanguine brightness of orange oils and dark windswept herbs. Salty but entirely different, it’s marked by a pronounced signature of what this winery does, with power, compact brightness, and energy, as well as the umami richness and depth this wine delivers. Drink 2026-2046. The estate of Steve Kistler and his family in the Bodega Headlands, Occidental is exclusively devoted to producing coastally influenced Pinot Noir, and they are members of the West Sonoma Coast Vintners Association. Kistler was initially drawn to the area after tasting a bottling of Summa Vineyard that expressed a vivid and more cool climate style. Although Occidental was officially founded in 2011, Steve has been planting vineyards and purchasing property in the area since the 1990s and has retained his original cellar team for the past 30 years. His daughter, Catherine Kistler, has been the assistant winemaker since 2017. Each of the wines tasted for this report are their vineyard-designated selections, which are held back an additional year prior to release.
Critic scores
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent
More reviews and scores
Savoury and sappy on the nose. Some very welcome freshness and acidity. Not that long but certainly a pleasure. (JR)
The 2022 Pinot Noir Running Fence Vineyard Cuvée Catherine is an archetype of what is possible on the West Sonoma Coast. Bright and explosive, yet also light on its feet, the 2022 soars out of the glass. Red/purplish fruit, blood orange, rose petal, spice and savory notes are all beautifully lifted. Clean mineral tones extend the finish. The Cuvée Catherine is a wine of subtlety and nuance above all else
The 2022 Pinot Noir Running Fence Vineyard Cuvée Catherine offers a strong sense of place with aromas reminiscent of both the forest and the ocean: mushrooms, nori, saline and autumn leaves complement a core of pomegranate and wild berry, and it becomes more floral as it opens in the glass. The palate derives power from highly concentrated, nuanced flavors, a sense of delicacy from taut, lacy tannins and energy from vibrant acidity. It opened dramatically over several days and will benefit from long-term cellaring.
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.