2016 Kistler Chardonnay Kistler Vineyard
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Tasting Notes
The 2016 Chardonnay Kistler Vineyard, from Steve Kistler's original vineyard on Moon Mountain, shows a real sense of hillside structure in its deep, phenolic personality. There is a feeling of real textural depth and substance that runs through the KV. A whole range of citrus, floral and savory notes give the wine its distinctive character. There is just so much going on. In 2016, I have a slight preference for the KV over the Cuvée Cathleen, which emerges from a separate part of the property.
Critic Scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Another borderline perfect Chardonnay from this estate is the 2016 Chardonnay Kistler Vineyard, which tastes almost identical to the Cuvée Cathleen, only slightly less intense. Killer white flower, citrus blossom, orchard fruits, and salty minerality all flow to a medium to full-bodied, ultra-pure, precise, and elegant Chardonnay. With a little less minerality, yet a similar textural richness and depth, give it a year or two, count yourself lucky, and enjoy over the following decade.
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.