Medium ruby-purple in color, the 2022 Pinot Noir Bodega Ridge Vineyard rolls effortlessly out of the glass with ready to go notes of Morello cherries, juicy blackberries, and raspberry pie, opening out to reveal a strait-laced undercurrent of black truffles, allspice, charcoal, and iron ore. The light to medium-bodied palate delivers tightly knit black and red berry layers with a firm, fine-grained texture and impressive tension, finishing long and earthy. Irresistible now, this should be very long-lived!

Coming from the upper ridgetop blocks, the 2022 Pinot Noir Bodega Ridge Vineyard reveals notes of black raspberries, wild brambly herbs, fresh sage, mossy earth, and wet stones. I love this wine's focus and compact nature. It has a lovely feel now and a wide window for enjoyment, with toasted incense spice and a long haunting finish. Drink 2025-2045.

The Bodega Ridge Vineyard Pinot is the most fruit-forward of the 2022s from Occidental. It comes from the top of the site, where the exposure brings both concentration and lift. The fruit profile is a bit darker than in the other bottlings. Think blackberries, black cherries, plums, with a hint of salty blood orange and citrus pith. That ocean spray quality - so signature to the vineyard - runs right through the wine, tying everything together. A subtle herbal note and tea leaves hit the mid-palate, adding freshness and depth. This is a Pinot with more muscle, more fruit, and more tannin, but it never loses its balance. The structure is there, but so is the energy. It adds something range to the Occidental lineup without leaving the house style behind. Tasted from bottle B585. (Drink between 2025-2039)

The 2022 Pinot Noir Bodega Ridge Vineyard has layered aromas of cranberry sauce, Earl Grey tea leaves, bitters and foresty undertones, and it becomes more floral as it airs in the glass. The palate derives power from its sheer concentration of pure, expressive, spicy fruit. It’s structured by powdery tannins, and its tremendously juicy, mouthwatering acidity lures you back again and again for another sip.- EB

The 2022 Pinot Noir Bodega Ridge Vineyard is a powerful, deep wine. A blast of dark red/purplish fruit, wildflowers, gravel, orange peel, mint, sage and tobacco all open with some reluctance. This is the most virile, somber of the wines in this range. The taut, vibrant finish is salivating, but there is plenty of breadth on the back end waiting to emerge. - By Antonio Galloni, January 2025

A lively red, with a mix of hibiscus, iris and rose hip notes leading the way, backed by a racy beam of raspberry and red currant coulis. The finish flashes hints of bramble and cherry while keeping an overall taut, brisk energy. Best from 2026 through 2036. 1,030 cases made.