July 16, 2022 - The nose hints at the rich flavors upcoming with floral subtleties. This is a big, ripe, rich, creamy chardonnay. There is a lot of front of palate impact that is balanced out with acidity for a mid palate lift, and a lengthy finish.
Drinking at probably what would be its peak. Tasted great with oven baked mackerel with garlic snaps.
January 31, 2021 - Always one of my favorite vineyards from Kistler, this '12 is drinking at its very peak. Best an hour after decanting. Finish is over a minute in length. I'm very sad this was my last bottle.
November 14, 2020 - Wow. This is drinking beautifully. Let it air in the glass for 30 minutes and it was rocking. Incredible rich persistent mouthfeel, medium long finish. Wow, a crowd favorite.
July 24, 2020 - Drank from magnum. Will be at peak for several more years but drinking beautifully now. California Chardonnay at its best - still has the classic Napa butterscotch and oak but balanced. This is a great wine.
July 17, 2020 - Big, rich powerful, wishing for a little more acid/freshness, but still good nonetheless. Pair w more flavorful food. 91-93
July 7, 2020 - Had with lunch in Copake on Sunday. Never had this K before, but will definitely have it again. Lovely Kistler. Fairly big and powerful, rich but not over-the-top oaky, fleshy or in any way opulent. Plenty of ripe fruit but still not overly sweet, nuances of apple, pineapple and citrus. Gobs of acidity here making for a very well balanced concoction, along with great complexity and length. Really nice bottle.
December 23, 2019 - From magnum. Same as previous note. Contrary to some notes about the ageability of Kistler Chardonnay, this was pristine. Excellent wine that is aging beautifully.
October 23, 2019 - Drank w Sherry at la petite maison
April 5, 2019 - Dinner with Friends (211 Clover Lane, Louisville): Deep color. Apple, mineral and lemon aromas. Rich and layered with plenty of fruit. Well-balanced with a lingering finish. Excellent. 92-93 pts.
April 8, 2018 - really good (after having several '10 and '12 Kistler chard bottlings that seemed tired / soft / oxidized), this had a combo of lemon and peach, with ample sweetness, but thankfully great acidity to balance all of that, a wine that is at the same time opulent and rich, while not suffering from heaviness... very nice and would be enjoyable to a wide range of palates