A mixed 6 case containng three bottles of 2022 Freestone-Occidental and one bottle each of the single-vineyard bottlings detailed below.
Pinot Noir 2021 Pinot Noir Bodega Ridge Vineyard (1 bottle)
The 2021 Pinot Noir Bodega Ridge Vineyard is a wine of pure and total sensuality. Dark red/purplish fruit, orange peel, cinnamon, new leather, cedar and sweet pipe tobacco give the 2021 striking aromatic presence to play off its mid-weight personality. The 2021 Bodega Ridge is all class, but it is the most reticent of the wines today. It manages to bring together all the elements that define these wines, namely serious fruit concentration, backed by vertical, explosive structure. 98 Points
2021 Pinot Noir Running Fence Vineyard Cuvée Catherine (1 bottle)
The 2021 Pinot Noir Running Fence Vineyard Cuvée Catherine is gorgeous. Dense and layered, with tremendous vibrancy, the 2021 captures the magic of the West Sonoma Coast in its marriage of fruit intensity and energy. Dark blue/purplish fruit, spice, new leather, menthol, licorice and crushed rocks all race across the palate. This really explodes on the back end. All the elements are so well balanced. There’s real depth and density here. The mix of suitcase clones on Riparia Gloire rootstock expresses notable darkness and richness, all with the freshness and lower alcohols that are typical of the West Sonoma Coast. 97 Points
2021 Pinot Noir Bodega Headlands Vineyard Cuvée Elizabeth (1 bottle)
The 2021 Pinot Noir Bodega Headlands Vineyard Cuvée Elizabeth is bright, aromatic and effusive right out of the gate. Rose petal, lavender, red/purplish fruit and spice are beautifully articulated. Medium bodied and gracious, the 2021 is all precision—all class. Bright saline notes resonate on the vibrant, persistent finish. I especially admire its understated personality. This site, planted in 2001 with suitcase clones on 101-14 rootstock and picked early for vibrancy, yields a tense, aromatic, red-toned Pinot endowed with tons of class. 96 Points
2022 Freestone-Occidental Pinot Noir (3 bottles)
The 2022 Freestone-Occidental is ruby in the glass with lifted aromatics and attractive red fruit flavors. It captures the energetic, saline character that is the signature of their coastal vineyards on the western edge of the Freestone-Occidental area. A superb balance of bright, primary red fruits and saline elements. Tiny red strawberries, raspberries, and a distinct salty edge. Finishes vibrant and long with smooth tannins. It is delicious now and will develop nicely in bottle.
