2014 Kistler Chardonnay Hudson Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The 2014 Chardonnay Hudson Vineyard opens with a characteristic reductive note that also adds an element of freshness and aromatic intrigue. Deep on the palate, yet also weightless, the Hudson has a lot going on. Slate, dried herbs, candied lemon and white pepper add to the wine's super-distinctive aromatic and flavor profile. The Hudson is one of the clear standouts in 2014.
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2014 Chardonnay Hudson Vineyard has a full-on expressive nose of candied ginger, brioche and honey-drizzled peaches with a waft of orange blossoms. Full-bodied, rich and already strutting its stuff, it has a refreshing line of acidity and wonderful length with some minerals coming through.
Kistler have been buying fruit from this other famous Carneros vineyard since 1994, as from Hyde. 12,660 bottles filled. A perceptibly green note to the gold. Even richer on the nose than the Hyde 2014 bottling with a sumptuous ripe melon aroma. Broad and vibrant but a little more tightly laced up on the finish than the Hyde. A floral topnote. Really rich, almost sweet on the palate but no alcoholic heat on the finish – just the lightest of hints of cappuccino. A mouthful of pleasure for those who revel in the best-balanced California Chardonnays in traditional style. Long. (JR)
One of the clear highlights today, the 2014 Chardonnay Hudson Vineyard is simply magnificent. Striking aromatics make a strong first impression. Yellow orchard fruit, mint and white pepper are all finely knit in this wonderfully nuanced, expressive Chardonnay, with a subtle underlying vein of reduction that adds the closing shade of nuance.
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.