Steve Kistler, founder and winemaker of Kistler Vineyards for 37 years, has established a new pinot noir brand "Occidental" which is owned and operated by the Kistler family. Occidental is dedicated to the production of world-class pinot noir from the Freestone-Occidental area. 

Whereas the Cuvée Catherine is built on fruit, the 2011 Pinot Noir Bodega Headlands Cuvée Elizabeth is a much more inward, structured wine. Here the flavors are bright, precise and endowed with considerable energy. Cranberry, pomegranate, crushed rocks, rose petals and savory herbs are all supported by veins of underlying acidity and minerality that should allow the 2011 to develop beautifully in the bottle.