Description
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ChatGPT said:
The 2020 Kistler Laguna Ridge Vineyard Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley is a complex and dense wine with a rich array of aromas, including white peaches, lime peel, jasmine, and a hint of struck match. On the palate, it offers a mouth-coating, expansive texture balanced by vibrant acidity and a flinty finish. The wine shows flavors of salted buttery pastry, grilled lemon, fresh apple, and a touch of nutmeg and honey. With aging potential of several years, it promises to reveal even more depth and energy over time. This Chardonnay is a benchmark, celebrated for its powerful, mineral character and vibrant acidity.
Reviews
Robert Parker 97
"Always one of my favorite cuvees from Kistler, the 2020 Chardonnay Laguna Ridge Vineyard has loads of personality and density. Struck match scents give way to white peaches, lime peel, jasmine, spring butter and pie spices, with a singular streak of alluring herbal character. The palate’s mouth-coating, expansive texture and concentrated fruit are balanced by tangy acidity and flinty character on the long finish." [Robert Parker, 25/06/2024]
Producer Profile
There a few wineries, globally, whose name is as synonymous with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir as Kistler. Their pursuit of perfecting single site, terroir driven wines started in 1978 when Steve Kistler and Mark Bixler took action on their belief that remarkable Chardonnays and Pinots of site could in fact be grown and produced in California. It was a notion ahead of its time.
Since the mid 1980s their Chardonnay wines have been produced exclusively from a singular clone of Chardonnay which was imported to California from Burgundy over a century ago. This particular clone was selected due to how well it has adapted to the Californian growing season, producing low yields of high quality, small berries, great concentration in the fruit and its distinct ability to retain its natural acidity.
