Overview
A refined expression of California's cool coastal terroir, the 2024 Kistler Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir combines fragrant red fruit, vibrant freshness and elegant structure. Sourced from carefully selected vineyards in western Sonoma County, this wine reflects Kistler's dedication to Burgundian-inspired Pinot Noir, delivering aromatic purity, supple tannins and beautifully balanced concentration.
Vintage
The 2024 growing season in Sonoma County followed a classic pattern, with early spring budbreak, a warm summer and timely periods of heat encouraging consistent ripening. A smooth harvest and favourable fermentation conditions produced wines with concentrated fruit flavours, well-defined structure and lively natural acidity. The resulting Pinot Noirs display richness and depth without excessive weight.
Vineyard & Terroir
The Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is sourced from two vineyard plantings in the cooler, fog-influenced areas of western Sonoma County. These vineyards represent younger plantings within Kistler's portfolio, carefully cultivated for their potential to develop into future single-vineyard wines.
Planted in Goldridge soils, the vineyards benefit from the moderating influence of Pacific Ocean fog and cool coastal breezes. These conditions encourage gradual ripening, preserving freshness and supporting the development of delicate aromatics and balanced fruit concentration.
Kistler employs its proprietary heritage Pinot Noir selections, originally developed from Burgundian vine material and refined through decades of careful vineyard selection.
Winemaking
The wine undergoes whole berry fermentation with indigenous yeasts, allowing the fruit's natural character to develop with minimal intervention. Only free-run juice is retained, with no pressing, preserving delicacy and refined tannin structure.
Following fermentation, the wine is matured for 10 months in French oak barrels, of which 38% are new. It is bottled unfined and unfiltered to preserve its natural texture, purity and vineyard expression. Natural sediment may develop during bottle ageing.
Producer Tasting Notes
This fragrant wine has notes of red fruit and oak, with soft tannins and a long finish.
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 established a cult following through its commitment to vineyard expression, meticulous viticulture and Burgundian-inspired winemaking.
Kistler's Pinot Noirs are crafted from proprietary heritage selections originally sourced from Burgundy and refined through decades of vineyard cultivation. With an emphasis on naturally low yields, aromatic purity and balanced concentration, the wines express the distinctive characteristics of their coastal vineyard sites.
The winery's philosophy focuses on elegance, harmony and precision, producing wines of remarkable depth, refined texture and lingering aromatic complexity.
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, Sonoma Coast
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Appellation: Sonoma Coast 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: 14.2%
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Soil: Goldridge
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Vineyard Sources: Two Vineyard Plantings in Western Sonoma County
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Grape Selection: Proprietary Heritage Selection
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Fermentation: Whole Berry Native Yeast Fermentation
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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
