Kistler Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2023

Kistler Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir comes from AVA Sonoma Coast, the cooler, ocean-facing zone the winery has worked since Steve Kistler and Mark Bixler founded the estate in 1978. The Pacific holds these sites back: marine fog and cold air off the ocean stretch the growing season, so the grapes ripen slowly and keep firm natural acidity and tension, the freshness that defines a savoury, Burgundian style rather than a ripe one. Fruit is farmed sustainably and the wine spends 12 months in French oak, enough to settle the tannins and add a fine vanilla and spice frame through slow barrel oxygen exchange while leaving the cool-climate fruit in front. The 2023 is bright ruby, the nose led by red cherry and redcurrant with a rhubarb tang, an earthy mineral edge and a touch of pepper. The palate is medium-bodied and taut, the tannins fine, the acidity carrying a long, savoury finish. This is a young wine that will reward a few years in bottle. Serve at 14 to 16 degrees in a wide glass, with roast poultry, duck or mushroom dishes.