2005 Kistler "Kistler Vineyard" Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

"It is easy to get excited about Kistler's Pinot Noirs," remarked Robert Parker in 1998. "All are aged in 100% new oak, made in small lots (250-500 cases), and bottled with neither fining nor filtration. They are trying to keep the levels of SO2 to minimal dosages so the wines can be as expressive as possible. These Pinot Noirs can easily hold their own in blind tastings with the finest red Burgundies." More than a decade later, Parker's praise continues: "Kistler Vineyards, undeniably one of the world's finest winemaking estates, is run with passionate dedication to detail and quality by Steve Kistler and Mark Bixler. It is wines like these that keep an old critic like me inspired and energized."