Overview
An elegant and understated expression of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, the 2024 Kistler combines delicate red berry fruit, savoury spice and floral complexity with refined structure and freshness. Awarded 91 points by Vinous, this wine showcases Kistler's commitment to precision and vineyard character, offering a graceful balance of fruit concentration, vibrant acidity and subtle complexity.
Vintage
The 2024 vintage in Sonoma County was marked by a classic growing season, with early spring budbreak, a warm summer and well-timed periods of heat encouraging steady ripening. A smooth harvest and favourable fermentation conditions produced wines of concentrated flavour, lively acidity and well-defined structure, delivering richness without excessive weight.
Vineyard
Kistler sources its Russian River Valley Pinot Noir from selected vineyard blocks along Laguna Ridge and Gravenstein Ridge in Sonoma County. Key vineyard sources include Laguna Ridge, Silver Belt and Gravenstein, where pockets of red, gravelly Sebastopol soils and Goldridge soils contribute to the wine's distinctive character.
The vineyards are planted with Kistler's proprietary heritage Pinot Noir selections. These carefully cultivated sites produce fruit of concentration and aromatic complexity, reflecting the cooling influence and distinctive terroir of the Russian River Valley.
Winemaking
The grapes are hand-harvested at night and fully destemmed before undergoing indigenous yeast fermentation as whole berries in open-top fermenters. Only free-run juice is retained, with no pressing, ensuring a delicate extraction and refined tannin structure.
The wine is matured for 10 months in French oak barrels, of which 38% are new. It is then bottled unfined and unfiltered to preserve its natural texture, complexity and vineyard expression. Natural sediment may develop during bottle ageing.
Critic Reviews
91/100 — Antonio Galloni, Vinous
“Crushed red berry fruit, spice, new leather, cedar, mint and dried flowers are all laced together.”
Reviewed January 2026
Producer
Founded in 1978 by Steve Kistler and Mark Bixler, Kistler Vineyards is one of California's most respected producers of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Based in Sonoma County, the winery has developed a cult following since the 1980s through its dedication to Burgundian grape varieties and vineyard-focused winemaking.
Kistler works with distinguished vineyard sites across Sonoma Coast, Sonoma Mountain and Carneros, producing wines renowned for their concentration, complexity and ageing potential. While historically celebrated for its rich, oak-influenced Chardonnay, the winery has increasingly embraced greater restraint, precision and vineyard individuality. Its Pinot Noir wines reflect this philosophy, combining aromatic delicacy, refined texture and a distinctive sense of place.
Specifications
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Vintage: 2024
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Producer: Kistler Vineyards
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Country: USA
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Region: California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
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Appellation: Russian River Valley AVA
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Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
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Wine Style: Still Red Wine
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Sweetness: Dry
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Alcohol: 14.1%
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Soil: Goldridge and gravelly Sebastopol soils
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Vineyard Sources: Laguna Ridge, Silver Belt and Gravenstein
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Grape Selection: Proprietary Heritage Selection
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Harvest: Hand Harvested at Night
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Fermentation: Indigenous Yeast, Whole Berry Fermentation in Open-Top Fermenters
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Pressing: Free-Run Juice Only, No Pressing
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Maturation: 10 Months in French Oak Barrels
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New Oak: 38%
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Production Attributes: Unfined and Unfiltered
