Ratings & Tasting Notes:

95 Wine Advocate
Review Date: 02/2012
The 2009 Chardonnay Kistler Vineyard Cuvee Cathleen, from Wente clones, saturates the palate with honey, yellow flowers, marzipan, tangerine and apricots. It possesses stunning depth and intensity, along with persistent saline notes that add lift on the creamy, expansive finish. The Cuvee Cathleen is considerably richer than the straight Kistler Vineyard. Both are striking; which one readers ultimately prefer is strictly personal preference. (AG)

Cult Wines International Notes:

Kistler Vineyards is one of California’s most prestigious and influential wineries, established in 1978 by Steve Kistler. The winery quickly gained “cult” status for its intense focus on producing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in a highly Burgundian style. Rather than focusing on a single estate, Kistler became famous for bottling numerous single-vineyard expressions, sourcing from premier sites across Sonoma County and the Russian River Valley, including the notable Kistler Estate and Trenton Road vineyards.

Kistler’s winemaking philosophy aims for richness, complexity, and texture, with Chardonnays undergoing full malolactic conversion and extended aging in French oak (often 100% new). The resulting white wines are powerful, layered, and concentrated, yet maintain a beautiful balance of acidity, making them exceptional for aging. These wines are often compared favorably to Grand Cru white Burgundy.

Though their Chardonnay garners the most critical attention, Kistler’s Pinot Noir follows a similar path, being deeply colored, concentrated, and earth-driven. Across their portfolio, Kistler represents the pinnacle of site-specific winemaking in California, providing collectors with a stunning array of distinct, high-quality wines that consistently command top prices at auction.

Bottle Size:

750 mL

Storage History:

Always stored on its side in a climate-controlled cellar.

Condition:

Outstanding condition.

Please note: The condition of the bottle you will receive is accurately reflected by the one shown in the images.