2012 Occidental-Kistler Vineyards 'Cuvee Catherine' Running Fence Vineyard Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

(95 Points)  --  (Wine Advocate)

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. (EB)    Review Date: 01/2025