A reference point winery for New World wines, the quality of Kistler Vineyards Pinot Noirs continues to improve year after year. The 2005 Cuvee Catherine is spectacular and one of their most impressive cuvees to date..

The low-yielding (pruned and thinned to yield about two tons per acre) vineyards from the Russian River Valley and the Sonoma Coast contain a mixture of clones from French and American sources. The Pinot Noir is made with an initial extended cold maceration of the grapes with their juice (for the extraction of concentrated flavors without tannin), followed by a traditional Burgundian fermentation in small, open-top fermenters. Total cuvaison time is up to four weeks and the wine is aged in 100% new French oak barrels for 14 months before being bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Here is what Robert Parker had to say about the 2005 Cuvee Catherine Pinot Noir:

96 POINTS WINE ADVOCATE: “…boasts a dark ruby/purple-tinged color as well as gorgeous aromas reminiscent of a DRC Grands Echezeaux. Spring flower, blueberry, raspberry, cherry, and forest floor aromas soar from the glass of this medium to full-bodied Pinot. With superb finesse, elegance, and the grace of a ballerina, this beauty can be enjoyed over the next 10-12 years.”