97 Points, Decanter
“Dry farming is always an option, even in hot vintages. In 2022, Occidental grew abundant canopies, and a cool September meant a more relaxing vintage. Everything is destemmed, tasted from bottled #1566. This wine is aromatically haunting with lots of high-tone red fruited character with wild violets, white pepper and turned soil. The gorgeous flavours of blueberries and wild green strawberries meld together for a well-knit palate, with elegant spices, clove, five spice and wild anise. Certified sustainable, all estate vineyards are a proprietary massale selection of mixed clones.”
96 Points, Wine Spectator
“Waves of succulent black cherry and mulberry fruit drape over a subtly piercing mineral aspect, while a backdrop of red and black tea, dried anise and blood orange zest adds alluring range. Racy, finely beaded acidity provides a nearly invisible corset of structure, letting it all play out with confidence through the lengthy finish. Best from 2025 through 2035.”
95+ Points, Parker’s Wine Advocate
“The 2022 Pinot Noir Bodega Headlands Vineyard Cuvée Elizabeth is deep and heady on the nose. Youthful pomegranate and rhubarb give way to cinnamon, red licorice, hibiscus and rooibos tea, plus the complex woodsy and spicy undertones characteristic of the Occidental wines. The palate offers concentration without weight, flooding the mouth with waves of crunchy, saline-laced red fruit. It’s structured by lacy tannins and vibrant acidity and has a long finish with a flourish of spicy accents. It will benefit from several years in the cellar.”