Failla, Occidental Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021

97 points Jeb Dunnuck
"A more brooding and dark profile emerges in the 2021 Pinot Noir Occidental Ridge, revealing notes of black cherry, resinous pine sap, and freshly toasted sage. Full-bodied, with ripe tannins, blackberry, violets, and crushed gravelly earth. It has more warmth and a grounding nature, but it’s not weighted down. It displays superb balance between power and finesse and will benefit from another year or so in the cellar. Drink it over the next 15 or more years."

96 points Vinous
"The 2021 Pinot Noir Occidental Ridge Vineyard is classy and elegant. Silky tannins and sweet, floral top notes convey palpable finesse. Medium in body and yet packed with flavor, the Occidental Ridge is once again one of the best and most complete wines in the range. Dark red-toned fruit, blood orange, cinnamon and cedar are some of the many notes that emerge in the glass. Clean mineral notes wrap it all up in style."

Vinous Reverie Notes
The Occidental Ridge Vineyard, established in 1999 and farmed by Richard Radcliffe, lies just outside the town of Occidental at about 800 feet above sea level. Three separate blocks make up this cool-climate vineyard, each planted to a different Dijon clone of Pinot Noir. Tasting Notes: Flavors of Seville orange, marionberry jam, and pink peppercorn on a dense core of acidity and plush tannin.