Occidental Pinot Noir Freestone-Occidental, Sonoma Coast 2016

Occidental is owned and made by Kistler Vineyard founders Steve Kistler & Mark Bixler, and with that pedigree the wine is every bit as good as you’d expect. The nose is so inviting and expressive – one of those wines you just can’t stop smelling, with aromas of roses, sage, thyme, licorice, strawberries, and raspberries. The palate lives up to the nose, with firm, grainy tannins and incredibly refreshing acidity. Superb.