The dark ruby-colored 1998 Pinot Noir Camp Meeting Ridge Vineyard's (100 cases) smell's akin to a top vintage of Grands Echezeaux or Richebourg. Notes of black raspberries, blackberries, flowers, and minerals jump from the glass. While it does not have as much power as the Hirsch Vineyard, it reveals a velvety sweetness and unmistakable individuality and distinctiveness. It will be one of Kistler's more showy efforts. Drinkable already, it promises to last for a decade. (release date 3/01)Tel. (707) 823-5603; Fax (707) 823-6709

The 1997 Pinot Noir Camp Meeting Ridge Vineyard exhibits a dark ruby/purple color, and a more feminine, less muscular personality with plenty of sweet black raspberry and cherry fruit. A softer, more luscious style of Pinot Noir, it will provide more flattering drinking than the Hirsch. The wine is extremely expansive, with sweet tannin, adequate acidity, and admirable staying power. 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, 3/00.Tel. (707) 823-5603; Fax (707) 823-6709.

The dense ruby-colored 1996 Pinot Noir Camp Meeting Ridge Vineyard (150 cases) is a fruit bomb, offering copious quantities of lush black fruits intermixed with underbrush, minerals, and spice. Gorgeously proportioned, medium to full-bodied, with well-integrated tannin and acidity, its vibrancy, purity, and liveliness are commendable. This wine should drink well young, and keep for a decade. Kistler's Pinot Noirs are among my favorites being made in the New World. The wines are 100% destemmed, the fermentations are 100% natural (indigenous yeasts), they are put through a complete malolactic fermentation, and totally aged in new oak. Bottling is accomplished with neither fining nor filtration. Sadly, the wines are made in small lots.Readers should recognize that Kistler's policy is to sell most of their production directly to consumers and restaurants. Readers who live in states that permit direct shipment of California wines should be sure and get on the winery's mailing list.Tel. (707) 823-5603; Fax (707) 823-6709