Occidental Bodega Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022

The Bodega Ridge Vineyard Pinot is the most fruit-forward of the 2022s from Occidental. It comes from the top of the site, where the exposure brings both concentration and lift. The fruit profile is a bit darker than in the other bottlings. Think blackberries, black cherries, plums, with a hint of salty blood orange and citrus pith. That ocean spray quality - so signature to the vineyard - runs right through the wine, tying everything together. A subtle herbal note and tea leaves hit the mid-palate, adding freshness and depth. This is a Pinot with more muscle, more fruit, and more tannin, but it never loses its balance. The structure is there, but so is the energy. It adds something range to the Occidental lineup without leaving the house style behind. Tasted from bottle B585.

The 2022 Pinot Noir Bodega Ridge Vineyard is a powerful, deep wine. A blast of dark red/purplish fruit, wildflowers, gravel, orange peel, mint, sage and tobacco all open with some reluctance. This is the most virile, somber of the wines in this range. The taut, vibrant finish is salivating, but there is plenty of breadth on the back end waiting to emerge.