2018 Occidental "Cuvée Catherine - Running Fence Vineyard" Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir (1.5L)

“I revisited the 2018 Pinot Noir Running Fence Vineyard Cuvée Catherine again and again and just could not get enough of this expressive, singular wine. Medium ruby in the glass, aromas of iron and blood orange segue to pure blackberry and raspberry preserves, tea leaves, dusty earth and garrigue. Silky, pure, detailed and seamless, it articulates that perfect balance of bitter and sweet found in great amaro—and great Pinot Noir. It has an intense, fresh and lacy frame of tannins that will allow it to age a long time. This 2018 vintage was bottled in 750-milliliter bottles and magnums, the first time Occidental has employed a larger format. (EB)” (06/2021)

“Coming from the oldest blocks around the estate, the 2018 Pinot Noir Running Fence Vineyard Cuvee Catherine sports a deeper ruby hue as well as a gorgeous nose of black raspberries, scorched earth, graphite, and charcoal, with more floral notes emerging with time in the glass. Flawlessly balanced on the palate, it has building yet ultra-fine tannins, a great mid-palate, bright acidity, and a distinct salinity and minerality on the finish. This gorgeous, thrilling Pinot Noir ranks with the crème de la crème in the vintage. Give bottles a year or two and enjoy over the following 10-15. It will probably merit a triple-digit rating at maturity.” (07/2021)

“The 2018 Pinot Noir Running Fence Vineyard Cuvée Catherine is endowed with serious depth and intensity that give it a real feeling of vertical depth. The fruit profile leans towards the more blue/purplish realm, but it is the wine's understated richness that is impossible to miss. Bright saline notes underpin it all, leading to a beautifully sculpted finish that resonates with tremendous mineral intensity. In a word: dazzling. The Cuvée Catherine emerges from vines that surround the tasting room. (AG)” (01/2021)