OCCIDENTAL 'Freestone-Occidental' Pinot Noir

WA: 94

The 2023 Pinot Noir Freestone-Occidental is bursting with vibrant scents of red cherry, cranberry, black tea, conifer, pipe tobacco, saline and generous spicy nuances. The medium-bodied palate is bursting with layers of succulent fruit, and its expressive, earthy undertones are reminiscent of a coastal forest. It has a lacy frame of tannins, bright acidity and a long, tobacco-laced finish. It’s a touch more open than the rest of the 2023s and will be approachable sooner.

WS: 95

A tightly focused beam of bitter cherry, damson plum and raspberry coulis streams through this red, with mouthwatering cut in the form of ocean breeze minerality that runs throughout. Iris and rose hip notes fill in the background as the long, piercing finish shows a remarkably pure and unadorned feel. A high-definition Pinot. Drink now through 2035. 3,650 cases made.

VM: 93

The 2024 Pinot Noir Freestone-Occidental is fabulous. Brisk and energetic, the 2024 is so expressive in the early going. Crushed red berry fruit, blood orange, spice and pomegranate are some of the tones that run through this beautifully translucent Pinot. Pretty floral top notes and brisk saline accents extend the clean, bracing finish. The stars clearly aligned for this wine in a vintage that was both high in quality and bountiful.