Occidental (Stephen Kistler)

Cuvée Elizabeth Bodega Headlands Vineyard Pinot Noir

9.478 ratings
9.412 pro ratings
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, USA
Pinot Noir
Turkey, Game, Exotic Spices, Soft Cheese, Duck, Goose, Salads & Greens, Potato, Quinoa, Farro, Brown Rice, White Rice, Pasta, Herbs, Nuts & Seeds, Mushrooms, Chicken, Meaty & Oily Fish, Shellfish, Crab & Lobster, Stew, Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Salami & Prosciutto, Salmon, Quinoa, Shellfish
Top Notes For
Darren Dittrich

At the 6-year mark, this formerly grippy 2012 is only now beginning to open up. Reminds me of a Gevrey-Chambertin... this is beautiful wine. Bright red fruit, integrated tannins, and little of that green grapefruit and tomato leaf edge that says this can go another 5-10 years.

At the 6-year mark, this formerly grippy 2012 is only now beginning to open up. Reminds me of a Gevrey-Chambertin... this is beautiful wine. Bright red fruit, integrated tannins, and little of that green grapefruit and tomato leaf edge that says this can go another 5-10 years.

Nov 13th, 2018
Darren Dittrich

E24736. Perfect. Ready to drink, balanced, delicious.

E24736. Perfect. Ready to drink, balanced, delicious.

1 person found it helpfulDec 29th, 2017
Stéphane VIVIER

Impeccably balanced. Nuanced and definition is remarkable. Great bottle.

Impeccably balanced. Nuanced and definition is remarkable. Great bottle.

1 person found it helpfulMay 17th, 2015
Charlie Beatty

Buyer wineworksonline.com

9.8

True to Perfect Pinot Noirs, WOW! Mothers Day with family This Occidental by Stephen Kistler is Incredible. Can it be I tried 2 of the Best 2 nights in a row ! CB 100! Only the 3rd 100 point in this calendar year!! Bottle # E24384. Gorgeous Fruit , from onset it has a fabulous mouthfeel , great body and texture. I would seek out this wine if you want to experience "great wine experience" very impressive. Thanks for allowing me to try this Pinot!

True to Perfect Pinot Noirs, WOW! Mothers Day with family This Occidental by Stephen Kistler is Incredible. Can it be I tried 2 of the Best 2 nights in a row ! CB 100! Only the 3rd 100 point in this calendar year!! Bottle # E24384. Gorgeous Fruit , from onset it has a fabulous mouthfeel , great body and texture. I would seek out this wine if you want to experience "great wine experience" very impressive. Thanks for allowing me to try this Pinot!

1 person found it helpfulMay 11th, 2015
Peter Yeung

Just lovely

Just lovely

1 person found it helpfulApr 10th, 2015
Robert Cunningham

Wine Educator DeVinimus, Wine Workshop

8.1

Awful. Overextracted and undrinkable

Awful. Overextracted and undrinkable

Nov 18th, 2016
David Eckert

A great expression of CA Pinot.

A great expression of CA Pinot.

May 14th, 2015
Martin G Rivard

My buddy Kirk brought this for our week stay in Beavercreek. It was my first Occidental but definitely will not be my last. @Kirk Alexander i'm going to let Kirk do the honors of writing the notes for this bad boy. But it is truly "bad ass Elegance in a glass" 😍👏👏😍

My buddy Kirk brought this for our week stay in Beavercreek. It was my first Occidental but definitely will not be my last. @Kirk Alexander i'm going to let Kirk do the honors of writing the notes for this bad boy. But it is truly "bad ass Elegance in a glass" 😍👏👏😍

Mar 20th, 2017
Vino Joe

Special Pinot. Intoxicating fragrance from opening. Layers and layers. Powerful fruit without being overwrought. This bottle was great but a bit off vs prior bottles.

Special Pinot. Intoxicating fragrance from opening. Layers and layers. Powerful fruit without being overwrought. This bottle was great but a bit off vs prior bottles.

Feb 7th, 2023
Vino Joe

Stunning. Beautiful. Lingering. Rich. The bouquet is subtle. So often the aroma of a Pinot - even ones I love - are very alcohol heavy. This is muted and reserved. It packs a jab rather than a punch. But it’s an effective sharp jab. I admire this producer and I am convinced it is now my personal PN favorite. The fruit is fleshy but not treacly. It is nice and long. Rare for a domestic but this is built like it’s European. Me very happy.

Stunning. Beautiful. Lingering. Rich. The bouquet is subtle. So often the aroma of a Pinot - even ones I love - are very alcohol heavy. This is muted and reserved. It packs a jab rather than a punch. But it’s an effective sharp jab. I admire this producer and I am convinced it is now my personal PN favorite. The fruit is fleshy but not treacly. It is nice and long. Rare for a domestic but this is built like it’s European. Me very happy.

Nov 30th, 2022