""If the Kistler Winery could be magically transported to the middle of Burgundy's Cote d'Or, it would quickly gain a reputation as glorious as any producer of Burgundy grand crus."- Robert Parker With an enormous cult following, Kistler is one of California's leading producers of Burgundy-style Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Their vineyards stretch up the Sonoma Coast almost as far as San Francisco, and their wines are big and dramatic, but with real elegance. The wines are mostly sold via their mailing list, making getting hold of them exceedingly difficult. Kistler Russian River Valley Pinot Noir might be referred to as their"entry level", but it would outclass top offerings from many famous Pinot Noir producers. Aged in new French oak for around 14 months, this impressively rich and full-bodied Pinot Noir is an unmistakably Californian example of this variety that is scented with powerful notes of strawberry, red cherry, raspberry, clove, vanilla and woodland. Rich and dense with a layered and persistent finish, it's perfect to enjoy alongside veal carpaccio, beef tartare or Milanese risotto.£16 per 100.00ml