From sandy loam soils and all Calera clone, the 2016 Pinot Noir Laguna Ridge Vineyard is terrific but is going to reward short-term cellaring. Bing cherry, black raspberry, cassis, and smoked earth/charcoal notes all emerge from this medium-bodied, fresh, tight, backward 2016 that has beautiful concentration and depth. Hide bottles for 3-4 years at a minimum. There’s been a distinct style change at Kistler, with winemaker Jason Kesner purposely pulling back on the harvest dates and making a classic, age-worthy style of both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. He’s done this without sacrificing depth, concentration, or richness, and these latest 2016s are truly brilliant wines.

A new addition to the Kistler portfolio since the 2015 vintage, this wine is only available in magnums. Medium to deep ruby-purple in color, the 2016 Pinot Noir Laguna Ridge Vineyard opens a little shy and broody, giving way to decadent black raspberry, wild blueberries and mulberries scents with wafts of forest floor, fungi and black pepper. Medium to full-bodied and firmly framed by ripe, velvety tannins and tons of freshness, it has concentrated black and blue berry layers and a long, earthy finish.