2012 Kistler Chardonnay Dutton Ranch
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Tasting notes
Hazelnuts, marzipan and bread dough notes along with some honeyed apricot and orange zest are present in the medium to full-bodied, fresh, crisp, yet intense 2012 Chardonnay Dutton Ranch. Long, deep and formidably endowed, it should drink well for at least another 5-6 years, if not longer.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Kistler's 2012 Chardonnay Dutton Ranch isn't ready to show all of its cards just yet. Texturally soft and open-knit, the 2012 impresses for its lovely overall balance, but the elements haven't fully come together just yet. Bright veins of acidity give energy to pretty notes of orange peel, mint, wild flowers and hazelnuts. It will be interesting to see if the 2012 comes out of its shell, or if it remains a shy, introspective wine.
Kistler's 2012 Chardonnay Dutton Ranch is gorgeous. It brings together all of the rich, textured signatures of this site, all supported by vibrant acidity. Hints of almond, hazelnut and lemon add nuance on the close. The 2012 possesses lovely body and depth, but at the same time it is also beautifully perfumed. The finish alone is striking.
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.