Occidental, Running Fence Vineyard, Cuvée Catherine, Sonoma Coast, Pinot Noir 2020

“The 2020 Pinot Noir Running Fence Vineyard Cuvée Catherine is harmonious and spicy. It takes coaxing to open up and reveal wild berries, mushrooms, tea leaves, licorice and tobacco aromas. The light-bodied palate is chalky and shimmery, its balanced structure taking a backseat to waves of detailed, fragrant fruit and spice—blackberry, Angostura bitters and wildflower—and it has a long finish with a flourish of bitters-like accents. It’s drinking beautifully now, although it will benefit from a couple of hours in a decanter.”-97WA, 2023-2030

Luminous ruby color in the glass, like a jewel. There is a distinct marine influence here, like ocean brine, iodine, and tidal pools at low tide. This is followed by an array of tiny red and black berries, laced with a violet floral note. On the palate, vivid flavors of black raspberry and black cherry are lifted by neon blood orange. Extremely long, persistent finish. A truly singular wine.