2024 Kistler - Chardonnay Sonoma Mountain (750ml)
From Kistler’s hillside focus in Sonoma Mountain, the 2024 Chardonnay captures the uniqueness of volcanic soils and cool, nuanced microclimates that define this Ava. The wine was fermented with native yeasts, aged in French oak, and bottled unfined and unfiltered to preserve its expressive character and textural depth.
The vineyard narrative runs through every sip: the original Kistler planting sits at nearly 1,800 feet on the western edge of the Mayacamas range, where forty-year-old dry-farmed vines grow in a rare mix of deep red volcanic and fine chalky soils. This hillside Sonoma Mountain AVA, established in 1985, is celebrated for its volcanic soils and complex microclimates that yield wines that are concentrated yet balanced.
Tasting profile
- Nose: ripe lemon, white peach, and toasted hazelnut.
- Palate: medium to full-bodied with a rich, creamy texture balanced by crisp acidity and a streak of saline minerality.
- Finish: long, mineral-edged, and quietly impressive.
- Palette details: ripe orchard fruit, citrus oil, hazelnut, and a touch of subtle toast carry through the mouth.
Winemaking & style notes
This Chardonnay embodies Kistler’s commitment to site-specific expression and single-clone focus, delivering a wine that rewards patience in the cellar yet drinks beautifully now with a decant. The unfined, unfiltered approach preserves texture and nuance, inviting a slow, contemplative tasting experience.
Food pairings & serving
Natural companions include roast chicken, lobster, crab, creamy pasta, or scallops in butter. The wine’s mineral spine and creamy palate make it especially harmonious with dishes that feature gentle richness and subtle citrus or nutty accents.
Cellaring guidance
While approachable upon release, this Chardonnay benefits from short cellar aging to soften its edges and enhance its mineral cadence. A thoughtful decant will unlock nuanced aromas and a more expansive palate right away.