95 -97 points,

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, December 2005

A selection of the finest barrels, the 2004 Chardonnay Kistler Vineyard Cuvee Cathleen (500 cases) has more of everything... honey, layers, body, depth, acidity, and precision. Year in and year out, it is a candidate for one of the finest Chardonnays made in California. That said, a 1997 Cuvee Catherine drunk on Thanksgiving was spectacular. For Steve Kistler and his longtime assistant, Mark Bixler, 2004 was a very small crop, even smaller than the modest production of 2003. This is a reference point winery for New World Chardonnay, although their viticultural and winemaking techniques are decidedly Burgundian. Interestingly, during the last year I have had an opportunity to taste some ten year old Kistler Chardonnays, and they have aged well in the bottle. While a decade is not long when compared with some long-lived white Burgundies, by the standards of most California Chardonnays, which are generally best consumed during their first 1-3 years of life, the Kistler techniques of whole cluster pressing, slow malolactic fermentation, aging on their lees in high quality French oak, and bottling without fining or filtration appear to be producing longer lived Chardonnays. Kistler has enjoyed a run of terrific vintages in the new century. Moreover, they seem to be ratcheting up their performance in terms of the quality and complexity of their Pinot Noirs. (Release date 3/07) Tel. (707) 823-5603; Fax (707) 823-6709

93 points,

Stephen Tanzer's IWC, May 2007

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, May/Jun 07 ($75) Yellow-gold. Earthy, mineral-driven orange and white peach aromas, with a sexy jasmine accent. Very elegant, with spicy citrus and pear flavors, impressive concentration and a slow-building baking spice quality. Finishes on a vibrant mineral note, with outstanding length and wonderful precision. This is all Wente clone. 93 points

90 points,

Wine Spectator, July 2007

Leesy pineapple, citrus and grapefruit peel give this a tight flavor profile and a minerally edge on the finish. Ends with a clean, refreshing aftertaste, with hints of honey and melon. Drink now through 2010. 514 cases made. –JL

About Winery

Kistler Vineyards was founded in 1978 by the Kistler family. The first vintage in 1979 produced 3,500 cases of wine and since then the winery has slowly grown to the planned production level of about 25,000 cases per year.

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