Pinot Noir, "Bodega Ridge Vineyard", Occidental, CA, 2023

Occidental Bodega Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir 2023

This is an exceptional, age-worthy West Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, with professional scores ranging from 96 to 99 points:

• Jeb Dunnuck: 99 — peppery and layered, with black raspberry, juniper, incense, sage, rosemary and spice; lush tannins and a long finish. Drink over the next 20 years. SSkurnik Wines & Spirits
• Vinous: 98 — dark, dense and powerful, with black cherry, plum, licorice and dark spice. Firm acidity and tannins; one of the more reticent wines in the Occidental lineup. VVinous+1
• Wine Advocate: 96+ — concentrated yet elegant, with red/black cherry, plum and pomegranate, refined tannins and vibrant acidity. Very long-lived. KK&L Wine Merchants
• Wine Spectator: 96 — juicy boysenberry, pomegranate and mulberry with iris and hibiscus; energetic and crunchy. Best 2027–2037. BB-21
• The Wine Palate: 99 — Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW also awarded the 2023 Bodega Ridge 99 points. OOccidental

Overall: ~98 points. This is the more powerful, structured side of Occidental—dark-fruited, mineral, savory and tannic rather than delicate. I'd cellar it rather than drink it young; 2028–2040+ should be excellent.

For context, the winery describes the 2023 as exceptionally concentrated, with black raspberry and black cherry over a salty/mineral foundation. Occidental