Kistler - McCrea Vineyard Sonoma Mountain Chardonnay 2023 (750ml)
Price: $199.99
| Producer | Kistler |
| Country | United States |
| Region | California |
| Subregion | Sonoma County |
| Varietal | Chardonnay |
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Sku | 8239 |
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Kistler Description
Kistler, while distinctly California, has from inception, adopted a very 'French' process, seeing themselves as wine growers first. Like the Cistercian Monks in Burgundy of centuries past, Kistler focuses on fine-tuning a single clonal selection of Chardonnay, and continuing to improve it via proper site and massale selection. The work is identical with their two Pinot Noir selections, originally of Grand Cru Burgundy clippings, that have evolved in their Cali vineyards over the past twenty-five years. The intention is to set themselves up for success - the best bunch selections from their already fine-tuned massale plantings in the best locations, allowed to ferment on their own, and aged in exclusively-selected barrels, the staves for which are specifically isolated, air-dried and crafted into barrels three years later.
In other words, they control as much as they can from a qualitative, hierarchal perspective, and then let nature run its course. Where and how Kistler chooses to focus its energies, is a manner that must be respected as any great vigneron.
James Suckling: 98 Points
So pure and ripe yet tangy, offering great balance on a full body. It's a classic, memorable California wine, brimming with ripe pears, golden apples and buttery, toasty accents that swell on the palate and linger long in the finish. Made from the Ahern estate that the Kistler team manages.
Wine Advocate: 94 Points
The 2023 Chardonnay McCrea Vineyard is elegant and energetic. It has expressive aromas of quince, hazelnut, honey, toasted meringue and top notes of lemon peel. The medium-bodied palate pairs concentrated, honey-nut flavors with racy acidity, and it has a very long, layered finish. It will benefit from several years in the cellar.
Vinous: 94 Points
The 2023 Chardonnay McCrea Vineyard is a classy, elegant wine. Apricot, chalk, graphite and dried herbs confer a decidedly savory flair to this layered, super-expressive Chardonnay. Time in the glass brings out brisk acids and compelling brightness to round things out. This is an especially fine McCrea. As always, the vineyard-designate bottling emerges from sections of the vineyard planted on white ash.
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