92 -94 points,

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, December 2005

The light gold-hued 2004 Chardonnay Hudson E-Block (500 cases from the famed E-Block made famous by Helen Turley) possesses lively acidity, gorgeous depth as well as richness, and a full-bodied, smoky, tropical fruit-filled (especially pineapple) personality. The wood component is well-integrated, and the alcohol content is 14.5%. 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 ($65) Light gold. Expansive, highly complex aromas of orange, pear, quince, sweet butter, marzipan and iodine reminded me of a really great Meursault. Intense spice- and mineral-accented citrus flavors, with an exotic beeswax note adding depth. Focused and pure on the finish, which has outstanding concentration and length. The only thing that could chase this off my palate was the next wine. 93 points

92 points,

Wine Spectator, July 2007

Smoky, toasty aromas pick up rich citrus, pear and apple flavors on the palate in a tight, sharply focused manner, with the fruit and oak fanning out on the finish. Drink now. 915 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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