2020 Kistler Vineyard Chardonnay
Notes
Green-tinged pale yellow. Pure, vaulted, delicate aromatics of morning white spring flowers, stone fruit skins, and green to yellow orchard fruit flesh lead to a striking natural balance on the palate. There’s a site specific tactile, slightly phenolic textural component to the Kistler that clearly speaks of the unique mountain dry-farmed, extremely low crop upbringing of these forty-four-year-old vines. It holds a loosely woven grip on the presentation, feel and persistence of the finish. Wonderfully layered and full with a lovely bright core.
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97 points
Audrey Frick
Fresh and lifted on the nose, the 2020 Chardonnay Kistler Vineyard is bright with lime zest, white peach, and wet stone. It is persistent with energetic tension, noted by lemon verbena, green apple, and floral tones that last long on the finish. This one deserves some time in cellar to unwind and will be best enjoyed over the following 10 or more years.
97
Erin Brooks
The dry-farmed vines at Kistler Vineyard, about 40 years old now, produced a wine with loads of personality. The 2020 Chardonnay Kistler Vineyard unfolds its aromatic layers slowly, blossoming from flint to white peaches and lime peel, plus touches of dried sage, beeswax, almonds and pie crust. The palate is surprisingly powerful and concentrated, with hedonistic layers of stone fruit and candied citrus. All that fruit density is supported by a silky texture and seamless acidity, and a touch of phenolic texture drives its tremendously long finish.
96
James Suckling
Aromas of pear, crushed stone and lime leaf. Medium-to full-bodied. Really dynamic and layered, with notes of citrus and stone fruit, together with fresh and dried flowers. Crystal-clear and harmonious. Chamomile and a bit of lavender. Delicious now, but this will age beautifully.
