2017-2018 Kistler "Laguna Ridge Vineyard" Russian River Valley Pinot Noir Vertical

“The 2017 Pinot Noir Laguna Ridge is sweet, floral and lifted, all qualities that work beautifully to temper the natural intensity of the year. Succulent red berry, mint, spice, licorice and pomegranate give the Laguna Ridge striking freshness and nuance. Next to the bigger Cuvée Natalie, the Laguna Ridge is brighter, more aromatic and also more restrained, although, it, too, is certainty not lacking in intensity. Laguna Ridge is the only site in this range from which Kistler makes both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. (AG)” (05/2019)

“Wow! That was my first reaction to this long, layered very, very cherry-toned, succulent Pinot noir. It was picked at quite low sugar levels and is only 13.9% alcohol. The ridge-top vineyard with vines planted on sandstone has been one of Kistler’s sources of pinot since 2006. (EM)” (09/2019)

“Deep ruby colored, the 2017 Pinot Noir Laguna Ridge Vineyard is another complex 2017 and has loads of cassis, blood orange, red plum, and spice aromas and flavors. It too is medium-bodied, racy, vibrant and elegant, yet has beautiful depth of fruit.” (06/2019)

“Medium ruby-purple, the 2017 Pinot Noir Laguna Ridge Vineyard offers dried cranberry, dried red and black cherries, cinnamon stick, tobacco leaf and charcuterie with notions of violets, orange peel, tree bark and earthy touches. Medium-bodied and silky, it's youthfully coiled, hinting at latent flavor layers, sturdily framed by lightly chalky tannins and juicy freshness, finishing long and savory. This needs more time in bottle to unwind. (EB) 93+” (12/2019)

“The 2018 Pinot Noir Laguna Ridge Vineyard is a darker, more black and blue fruited release that has more fruit and opulence, yet still plays in the fresh, elegant, cooler climate style favored at this estate. Plenty of leafy herbs, forest floor, and mineral notes emerge with time in the glass, and it's medium to full-bodied and offers bright yet integrated acidity, flawless balance, and a great finish. It's another beautiful wine in the lineup.” (05/2020)

“Medium ruby-purple, the 2018 Pinot Noir Laguna Ridge Vineyard is still shy at this youthful stage, taking its time to unfurl to scents of smoked cranberries, fresh violets, fragrant earth, tangerine peel and touches of woodsmoke, tree bark and graphite. In the mouth, it has a medium weight, a very, very silky texture and fantastic bitterness, framed by bright, ripe fruits and addicting juiciness, finishing very long and with incredible lingering flavors. Pure class. (EB) 95+” (07/2020)

“The 2018 Pinot Noir Laguna Ridge is tightly wound and austere in the early going. Crushed raspberry, blood orange, mint and dried flowers add an attractive savory dimension. Translucent and yet not especially forthcoming, the 2018 clearly needs time to be at its best. (AG)” (04/2020)

“Densely packed flavors of ripe currant and cherry paste are supported by fresh acidity, with hints of dried mushroom midpalate. The finish lingers with a savory snap. (KM)” (04/2021)