2018 Chardonnay Hudson Vineyard E Block
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Tasting notes
The 2018 Chardonnay Hudson Vineyard begins with mineral notes of crushed shell and flint, slowly transforming into aromas of apricots, white peach and quince with accents of salted almonds, cut hay and white blossoms. The medium-bodied palate is still rather coiled at this youthful stage, hinting at savory layers yet to emerge, with fresh, uplifting acidity and a long, gently yeasty finish.
Critic scores
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Chardonnay Hudson Vineyard is one of the most elegant wines in this range. Orchard fruit, mint and citrus add striking dimensions of complexity. Fresh and vibrant in the glass, with tons of nuance, the Hudson is exquisitely beautiful. As it so often is, the Hudson is a Chardonnay of reserve and class.
Moving to the Carneros releases, the 2018 Chardonnay Hudson Vineyard comes from the Block E section of this larger vineyard, which is one of the original blocks planted in the 1980s. It offers a subtle marine-influenced minerality and iodine character as well as beautiful stone fruits, crushed citrus, flower oil, and honeycomb-like aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied and concentrated, with racy acidity and a liqueur of rocks-like minerality, it's one of the finest Chardonnays in the vintage. Winemaker Jason Kesner continues to put his mark on these wines, pulling back on harvest dates and focusing more on acidity, while not sacrificing concentration and texture. It’s not an easy tightrope to walk, but he’s doing an amazing job. These latest 2018s are truly brilliant, singular wines readers will love to have in their cellar.
The 2018 Chardonnay Hudson Vineyard is one of the most elegant wines in this range. Orchard fruit, mint and citrus add striking dimensions of complexity. Fresh and vibrant in the glass, with tons of nuance, the Hudson is exquisitely beautiful. As it so often is, the Hudson is a Chardonnay of reserve and class.
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.