2005 Chardonnay Hudson Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Bright gold. Vibrant Meyer lemon, lime, iodine and baking spices on the nose, with anise and floral honey qualities building in the glass. Weighty and dry, with sharply defined citrus and pear flavors sharpened by dusty minerals. The spiciness builds through a long, sappy finish that won't quit. Combines power and finesse effortlessly.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2005 Chardonnay Hudson Vineyard displays a green tinge to its light gold/straw color. On the nose, it exhibits more developed, evolved scents of orange blossoms, buttery apples, tropical fruits, and hints of hazelnuts and honeysuckle. With terrific ripeness as well as acidity, this plump, fleshy Chardonnay is on a faster evolutionary track than some of the other cuvees. 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
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.