2010 Kistler "Kistler Vineyard" Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

Ash, game, tar, licorice, incense and dark cherries are some of the notes that emerge from the 2010 Pinot Noir Kistler Vineyard. A pretty, soft, understated wine, the 2010 also has a hint of wildness running through it. At present, the 2010 is a bit compact, but I very much like the sense of grace here. Sweet floral notes reappear on the finish, adding a burst of freshness and vivacity to a finish underpinned by lovely streaks of saline minerality. In 2010 yields were too low for Kistler to bottle the Cuvee Elizabeth Pinot. The little fruit that came in was blended into the Kistler Vineyard Pinot. (AG)

Bright ruby. Spicy cherry, dark berry and black cardamom aromas show very good energy and impressive precision. Chewy bitter cherry and black raspberry flavors are given lift and spine by a tangy minerality that adds back-end cut. Gains power and sweetness on the finish along with dusty tannins, but not at the expense of suave Pinot fruit. (ST)