2014 Estate Chardonnay
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Tasting notes
The 2014 Chardonnay Kistler Vineyard shows plenty of its typically deep, phenolic structure. Graphite, candied lemon, mint and sage gradually open up in the glass, with veins of underlying salinity that add brightness throughout. These red volcanic soils in this Moon Mountain side yield a very distinctive Chardonnay. The 2014 is perhaps not as intense as some other vintages, but in exchange it will drink well young.
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2014 Chardonnay Kistler Vineyard has very pretty white grapefruit, lemon curd and white peach notes over nuances of honeysuckle, allspice and baker’s yeast plus a touch of chalk dust. Full-bodied and packed with finesse, the rich, concentrated citrus and stone fruit flavors are beautifully marked by crisp acidity and it finishes with loads of mineral layers.
See background notes for the 2015. 23,760 bottles filled. Tasted immediately after the Trenton Roadhouse bottling, it seems a little softer and more diffuse. Easy to like and with a texture of golden honey. Beautifully made but it lacks the nerve and tension of a top Sonoma Coast Chardonnay. The Cuvée Cathleen is definitely superior. Though this surely won't fall off its perch in a hurry. (JR)
The 2014 Chardonnay Kistler Vineyard, from the first parcel Steve Kistler bought, remains one of the most distinctive wines in the range. White flowers, mint, lemon peel and white pepper all lift from the glass. Nuanced and vivid, yet remarkably subtle, the KV Chardonnay is arguably the most refined Chardonnay in the range. Interestingly, this is the only site Kistler works with that is partly planted with Mount Eden Clone Chardonnay, some of it still on St. George rootstock. Today, the 2014 is compelling.
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.