2018 Kistler "Kistler Vineyard" Sonoma Valley Chardonnay

There are two releases from the Kistler Vineyard, which lies on the Mayacamas side of the Valley, at an elevation between 1,200 and 1,300 feet above sea leave. This is a completely dry farmed, low yielding site, and the two cuvées show two sides of the same coin, with the Kistler Vineyard release seeing more morning sun, and the Cuvée Cathleen getting more evening sun. The 2018 Chardonnay Kistler Vineyard is a stunning, flawless Chardonnay that does everything right, with vibrant notes of honeyed lemons, apple blossom, salted citrus, toasted bread, and honeysuckle all emerging from the glass. Fresh, focused, yet also powerful and concentrated on the palate, it has a distinct sense of minerality as well as a finish that won't quit. It needs a solid 3-4 years of bottle age and will drink brilliantly for over a decade. (JD) 98+

The 2018 Chardonnay Kistler Vineyard is one of the crown jewels of the Kistler portfolio in 2018. It has open-knit scents of toast, quince, iodine, roasted almonds, perfumed white peaches and honeycomb with loads of white flower perfume and a flinty streak. The palate is medium-bodied and intensely concentrated, giving up layer after layer of nuanced fruits. It has a rocky streak and energetic acidic spine, finishing unbelievably long—the flavors just go on and on. This may be the best wine from Kistler I've ever tasted. (EB)