2007 Chardonnay Dutton Ranch
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Tasting notes
Bright gold. Nervier and more mineral-driven than the McCrea, offering vivid lime and lemongrass aromas and notes of quinine, ginger and spicecake. Taut, focused and pure, with an impressive blend of depth and briskness to its citrus, pear and floral flavors. The finish repeats the pear and mineral notes and clings with excellent tenacity.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Previously recommended, no tastng note given. Following the brilliant success of Kistler’s 2007s, Steve Kistler and his sidekick, Mark Bixler, deserve kudos for what they have achieved in the more challenging 2008 vintage. This is the first vintage in which 100% of the fermentations were indigenous, and, fortunately, all their Sonoma Coast vineyards were far enough south that they were not tainted by any of the smoke from the ferocious fires that spread through Mendocino. The 2008s appear to be slightly more fruit-forward, with a touch less minerality than the 2007s. They are full-bodied, impressively endowed wines, with the Chardonnays best drunk during their first 5-7 years of life, and the Pinot Noirs during their first 10-12. 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.