2001 Kistler Chardonnay Hirsch Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Full lemon-yellow, with a green tinge. Highly aromatic, complex nose melds mirabelle, citrus skin, nutmeg and stone. Steely and tightly wound but with its richness already apparent. Dense, tactile chardonnay, with a strong flavor of dusty stone, as well as the complicating sulfidey note characteristic of so many Kistler wines. Finishes quite minerally and structured.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
From a vineyard associated more with Pinot Noir than Chardonnay, the 2001 Chardonnay Hirsch Vineyard exhibits a light gold color as well as a big, earthy, mineral-filled bouquet with notions of scorched smoke, citrus oil, and a striking liquid stone character. This structured, nearly tannic Chardonnay should hit its prime in 1-2 years, and last for 5-7. 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.