The 2017 Pinot Noir Occidental Station Vineyard comes from vines planted by Steve Kistler in 1998. He says this is usually the first vineyard to be picked, up to three weeks before the other Pinots are picked. This wine was made using about 30% whole clusters, the highest percentage Kistler normally uses. It has a medium ruby color, and the nose bursts with aromas, saline, tar, dried tea leaves, iron, crushed stone and violets with a core of fresh red and black berry fruit. The medium-bodied palate is a bit more lushly fruited than the others this vintage, but it is extremely classy with a super fine grain, seamless freshness and long, ethereal finish. This is a stunning wine that will benefit from another few years in bottle.