“Two heritage selections of Pinot Noir inform all of our Pinot Noirs. Originally hailing from a Grand Cru vineyard in Burgundy, we’ve been propagating these two selections for the last twenty-five years. They, like our Chardonnay clone are very low yielding, resulting in wines with a natural density and concentration of flavor, balanced by elegant natural acids and elevated aromatics.

Both selections are marked by very low yields, small berries, great concentration and color in the fruit and a propensity to hold their natural acids during ripening.

In Burgundy, some wines are simply labeled Premier Cru without designating a specific site. These wines still demonstrate superior quality but not necessarily a single vineyard expression. Kistler has several small block vineyards along the Laguna Ridge of the Russian River Valley and further west where the ridgeline crosses into the Sonoma Coast AVA. Although Goldridge sand is predominant, there are isolated pockets where the soil is rich in iron oxide and bands of gravel. This red-orange soil combined with the cool ocean influence provides the ideal terror for Pinot Noir. The young vines support two wines that show the regional expression of Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast.”