The 1996 Pinot Noir Cuvee Catherine, a blend of fruit from the Sonoma Coast and Kistler Vineyard, is another thrilling, sumptuously-styled Pinot. The color is a healthy saturated ruby/purple. The wine is rich and full-bodied, with floral (violets and lilacs) scents intertwined with cherry jam, over-ripe strawberries, and smoke. Extremely full-bodied, with spectacular richness, terrific purity, and a multi-layered texture, this, like the other Kistler Pinot Noirs, is a tour de force! Anticipated maturity: now-2010. It is easy to get excited about Kistler's Pinot Noirs. All are aged in 100% new oak, made in small lots (250-500 cases), and bottled with neither fining nor filtration. They are trying to keep the levels of SO2 to minimal dosages so the wines can be as expressive as possible. These Pinot Noirs can easily hold their own in blind tastings with the finest red Burgundies. Release date, 3/99. Tel. (707) 823-5603; Fax (707) 823-6709.