2012 Occidental Station Cuvee Catherine Pinot Noir
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
2012 was a warm growing season with a good crop, full clusters, plenty of sunshine and higher alcohols, Steve Kistler remembers. It was also the last year the Occidental wines were crafted at the Kistler Vineyards winery in Forestville. The 2012 Pinot Noir Occidental Station Vineyard Cuvée Catherine is maturing gracefully, with a pale ruby color and dramatically unfurling aromatics: red plums and pomegranate give way to woodsmoke, mushrooms, juniper and forest floor. Medium-bodied, it floods the mouth with generous layers of fruit and earth. It’s structured by powdery tannins and mouthwatering acidity and has a long finish streaked with botanical tones.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2012 Pinot Noir Occidental Station Cuvée Catherine has closed down significantly since I last tasted it a few months back, which is probably good news for its long-term potential. Deep veins of underlying minerality give the Cuvée Catherine its structure, power and energy. At the same time, the 2012 is not a huge or obvious wine, at least not today. The flavor profile is distinctly red-toned, with hints of iron and mint that add nuance.
Finesse is the name of the game in the 2012 Pinot Noir Occidental Station Cuvée Catherine. Firm yet nicely integrated tannins give the 2012 its spine and pulsating energy. Expressive aromatics, layers of deep fruit and a striking finish are just some of the signatures. Recent bottles of the 2009 and the 2010 have been superb, the 2010 in particualr.
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.