2005 Chardonnay McCrea Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Bright gold. Vibrant aromas of Meyer lemon, orange and green apple, with subtle lees and toasted bread adding depth. Sappy, chewy citrus and orchard fruit flavors are impressively deep but also lively and fresh, with excellent lift and cut. Tightens up on the finish, with the brisk citrus qualities repeating. There's something ethereal about this precise lightweight.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2005 Chardonnay McCrea Vineyard exhibits a light green/gold color as well as beautiful aromas of lemon oil, tangerine rind, and subtle wood spices, zesty acidity, full body, superb concentration, and stunning length. It should evolve for 7-10 years. Kistler Vineyards, undeniably one of the world’s finest winemaking estates, is run with passionate dedication to detail and quality by Steve Kistler and Mark Bixler. It is wines like these that keep an old critic like me inspired and energized. Previously recommended: 2004 Chardonnay Durell Vineyard (91-93), 2004 Chardonnay Dutton Ranch (93-95), 2004 Chardonnay Hudson Vineyard (92-94), 2004 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard (94-96), 2004 Chardonnay Kistler Vineyard (94-96+), 2004 Chardonnay Kistler Vineyard Cuvee Cathleen (95-97), 2004 Chardonnay McCrea Vineyard (92-94), 2004 Chardonnay Vine Hill Vineyard (94-96), 2004 Pinot Noir Bodega Headlands Cuvee Elizabeth (96-98), 2004 Pinot Noir Kistler Vineyard (92-94), 2004 Pinot Noir Kistler Vineyard Cuvee Catherine Occidental Station (94-95). Not yet released. Tel. (707) 823-5603; Fax (707) 823-6709
About the producer
Kistler’s Chardonnays are some of the world’s most sought-after. This cult Californian producer crafts small volumes of exceptional, rich and generous, yet mineral and precise wines. With almost the entire production sold directly to their mailing list, the wines are also incredibly hard to find.