2014 & 2018 Kistler Chardonnay Tasting Lot

“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. Drink now-2024. (AG)” (03/2017)

“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. Drink now-2023. (LPB)” (02/2017)

“Very tight and well-built, with a firm backbone of toasty oak framing the taut citrus, green apple and nectarine flavors. Vibrant and persistent, ending with a return of the oak elements. (JL)” (06/2017)

“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. 17.5/20 points. (JR)” (12/2016)

“Leading off the four Russian River releases, the 2018 Chardonnay Dutton Ranch is from a cooler, later ripening site and has a medium-bodied, elegant, incredibly classic style as well as notes of white flowers, brioche, apple blossom, and toasted bread. As with all these releases, it has an incredible sense of richness without weight, integrated acidity, and a great finish.” (05/2020)

“The 2018 Chardonnay Dutton Ranch is classic Russian River Valley on the nose, with open-knit, ripe scents of warm peaches, quince paste, honeycomb, jasmine and a classy framing of baking spices and nutty notions. In the mouth, it has a medium weight and is incredibly silky and broad, fully flavored without losing nuance. It has a pretty blend of ripe fruits and spicy accents, a bright spine of acidity and very long, continually evolving finish. This is a beauty! (EB)” (07/2020)

“Concentrated apple and peach pastry flavors show subtle floral nuances, backed by vibrant acidity. Unctuous midpalate, with plenty of creaminess and buttery accents that drive into the spicy finish. (KM)” (07/2021)

“Very much showing the uncommon merging of richness and polished refinement that marks the best Kistler Chardonnays, this lithe and lively, very deep working from Dutton Ranch is a very complex expression of perfectly ripe apples seasoned with a bit of toasty oak and sweet baking spice. It is still just a tad tight as befits its youth, but that tightness imposes no limits on its richness or range, it merely conveys the clear message that this is a wonderfully well-structured, eminently cellar-worthy wine that is years away from hitting full stride. Count on an especially long life here.” (11/2021)

“The 2018 Chardonnay Dutton Ranch is one of the more easygoing wines in this range, and one of Chardonnays I would open first. Orchard fruit, mint and white flowers lead to a core of green apple and pear flavors. Textured and inviting, with soft curves, the Dutton is a terrific example of Russian River Chardonnay. (AG)” (06/2020)