2005 Chardonnay Dutton Ranch
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Yellow-gold. Chalky citrus, quince and apple aromas are complicated by smoky lees, minerals and lemon pith. Bracing lime and pink grapefruit flavors gain weight with air, taking a turn to orange and tangerine. A firm, light-bodied chardonnay that offers intensity without excess weight, finishing with tangy mineral grip and great persistence. "On this soil, which is low in clay, this Wente clone is all about minerals," noted Kistler.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
More weight and power along with notes of roasted hazelnuts, peach, and smoky, almost clarified butter smells emerge from the 2005 Chardonnay Dutton Ranch. More extroverted and exuberant than the McCrea cuvee, it is an unusually elegant effort (because the acids are crisp and refreshing) that should drink beautifully for 7-8 years. Kistler Vineyards, undeniably one of the world’s finest winemaking estates, is run with passionate dedication to detail and quality by Steve Kistler and Mark Bixler. It is wines like these that keep an old critic like me inspired and energized. Previously recommended: 2004 Chardonnay Durell Vineyard (91-93), 2004 Chardonnay Dutton Ranch (93-95), 2004 Chardonnay Hudson Vineyard (92-94), 2004 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard (94-96), 2004 Chardonnay Kistler Vineyard (94-96+), 2004 Chardonnay Kistler Vineyard Cuvee Cathleen (95-97), 2004 Chardonnay McCrea Vineyard (92-94), 2004 Chardonnay Vine Hill Vineyard (94-96), 2004 Pinot Noir Bodega Headlands Cuvee Elizabeth (96-98), 2004 Pinot Noir Kistler Vineyard (92-94), 2004 Pinot Noir Kistler Vineyard Cuvee Catherine Occidental Station (94-95). Not yet released. Tel. (707) 823-5603; Fax (707) 823-6709
More weight and power along with notes of roasted hazelnuts, peach, and smoky, almost clarified butter smells emerge from the 2005 Chardonnay Dutton Ranch. More extroverted and exuberant than the McCrea cuvee, it is an unusually elegant effort (because the acids are crisp and refreshing) that should drink beautifully for 7-8 years. Dec 2006, www.robertparker.com
About the producer
Kistler’s Chardonnays are some of the world’s most sought-after. This cult Californian producer crafts small volumes of exceptional, rich and generous, yet mineral and precise wines. With almost the entire production sold directly to their mailing list, the wines are also incredibly hard to find.