Kistler Vineyards, Chardonnay, Sonoma Mountain, California, 2022

Overview of the Wine
Founded in 1978, Kistler Vineyards is a small, family-owned and operated winery specializing in the production of Burgundian style Chardonnay and limited amounts of Pinot Noir. Grapes are estate grown and purchased from vineyards in Sonoma County. In 1992, Kistler Vineyards moved all production to its Vine Hill Road Vineyard in the Russian River Valley.

One heritage Californian selection of Chardonnay planted across fifteen vineyards, from Carneros to Sonoma Valley, to the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast. From those sites we produce eleven vineyard designate Chardonnays. We are wholly dedicated to the ideal of wines of site. It’s an unparalleled approach in the new world.

Winemaker
Jason Kesner

Grape / Blend
Chardonnay

Origin
Sonoma Mountain, California

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Green-tinged pale yellow. Pure, ethereal perfumes of morning white spring flowers, yellow stone fruit skins and melon rind, dusted with minerality. Naturally balanced on the palate, coiled but silken as it presents its middle fruit profile. Wonderfully layered, full and delicately flavored, leading to a long, persistent finish. Lightly gripped by mountain born phenolics, enhanced by the age of the vines and their small berries.

99 Points - The Wine Independent
The 2022 Chardonnay Kistler Vineyard requires much swirling and shaking before the nose slowly reveals notes of crunchy yellow apples, Bosc pears, and white peaches plus nuances of jasmine tea, paraffin wax, and marzipan with a waft of sea spray. The medium to full-bodied palate is light on its feet with ethereal orchard fruit and savory sparks, framed with beautifully poised acidity, finishing long and minerally.

97 Points - Wine Advocate
After opening the bottle of 2022 Chardonnay Kistler Vineyard, it transforms dramatically over several days to reveal a particularly powerful, expressive iteration of this site. Iodine, candle smoke and matchstick define the nose before slowly segueing to quince paste, elderflower and spring honey. Unlike its reticence on the nose, the palate explodes with concentrated, layered flavors. Its satiny texture gently coats the mouth, while its generosity and textural breadth are foiled by fireworks of fresh acidity that call you back for another delicious sip.

96 Points - Vinous
The 2022 Chardonnay Kistler Vineyard is compelling. Bright and sculpted, the 2022 impresses with energy and delineation. Bright citrus peel, crushed rocks, jasmine, tangerine oil and mint give the 2022 striking aromatic top notes. Readers will find a Chardonnay of pedigree, class and distinction. The tight finish - a signature of this hillside site - demands cellaring.

96 Points - James Suckling
Aromas of dried peaches, caramel, honeysuckle, kiwis and lemon curd with hints of flint. Medium- to full-bodied with phenolic tension that tightens the wine in the finish. So long and beautiful. Hints of smoke. Reserved. Give this three or four years to open. Try after 2027.

96 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
Coming from higher elevations in the Mayacamas, close to the county line, the 2022 Chardonnay Kistler Vineyard is a distinctive wine with notes of orange peel, spiced, and golden melon rind. Medium to full-bodied, it offers a supple texture and a rounded feel, with notes of almond (almost marzipan, but not heavy), It has the tannin structure to make this an age-worthy wine over the next 10 years. 11,375 bottles were produced.

Product size: 750ml