93pts Vinous

The 2020 Pinot Noir Bodega Headlands Cuvée Elizabeth is a dark brooding wine. Black cherry plum gravel game incense and dried herbs all run through the 2020. Intensely lifted and mineral the 2020 offers notable energy and fine balance. There's a bit of nerviness in the tannin that needs to resolve. The Cuvée Elizabeth is usually a bit more forthcoming than it is today. I would give this at least a year or two in bottle.  - By Antonio Galloni on January 2023

This is a fine set of 2020s from Steve and Catherine Kistler at Occidental. Harvest started on August 18 just as fires were getting started. The Kistlers opted to make all their wines the same as always. Fruit was fully destemmed. Fermentation took between 21 and 24 days. The Pinots were aged in François Frères barrels about 25% new for 11-12 months. In tasting the 2020s are a bit lighter texturally than in most years with less mid-palate pliancy than is typically the case and a good bit of energy. These will be fascinating wines to taste in verticals in the future.

Winemaker Notes

Vibrant, very pure red aromatics of red raspberry, rose petals, and crushed strawberry. Extremely high-toned and seamless with a superb concentration of fruit. Brisk acidity and fine-grained tannins accentuate the wine’s saline character. Its red fruit flavors are beautifully defined and focused. Finishes with great energy and exquisite balance.