1996 Chardonnay Cuvee Cathleen
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Tasting notes
The 1995 Chardonnay Cuvee Cathleen, a selection made from the finest barrels, is spectacular. Given the overall thrilling quality at this winery, one can imagine just how extraordinary this wine is. The Cuvee Cathleen possesses a light golden color, followed by a ripe, honeyed, leesy nose filled with fruit, roasted nuts, minerals, and spice. Extremely full-bodied, with super richness, purity, and multiple dimensions, this fabulously rich, explosively fruity, ripe, Burgundian-styled Chardonnay will benefit from 1-2 years of cellaring, and keep for 7-8 years. All the Kistler Chardonnays are made in a Burgundian manner. They are barrel-fermented, given full malolactic fermentation, extensive lees stirring, racked out of their barrels following a year's cask aging, and allowed to settle in tank until bottling, which usually occurs without any fining or filtration. All of the wines reviewed in this segment were tasted from tank as they were awaiting bottling early next year. Readers should recognize that Kistler's policy is to sell most of their production directly to consumers and restaurants. Readers who live in states that permit direct shipment of California wines should be sure and get on the winery's mailing list. Tel. (707) 823-5603; Fax (707) 823-6709
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Exotic aromas of dried fruit, lime, baconfat and smoky oak. Thick and very concentrated, with a sweetness leavened by harmonious acidity. Conveys an impression of almost chewy extract. Finishes quite dry and uncompromising, with a slight phenolic character and notes of nutskin and red berries. The largest-scaled of these chardonnays, but not yet as harmonious as the last two vineyard-designated bottlings.
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.