2008 Kistler Chardonnay Vine Hill

2008 Kistler Chardonnay  Vine Hill

95pts(WA)A sensational effort, the layered, full-bodied 2008 Chardonnay Vine Hill Vineyard exhibits hints of peaches, buttered nuts, white currants, pears and subtle smoke, a rich mouthfeel and a long finish.

Not only have the 2008s lived up to or exceeded their potential from last year’s barrel tastings, the 2009s appear to be fabulous as well. Of course, 2008 was a much more challenging vintage and 2009 was a cool year, much like 2005, with slightly lower alcohols and higher yields than the short crop of 2008. All of the 2009 Chardonnays finished with around 14+% alcohol levels and had more minerality than usual. Kistler’s bottled 2008s were all concentrated. The 2008 Chardonnays have the potential to last even longer than the 2009s given the fact that they are even more concentrated than those wines. Robert Parker Wine advocate No 193 February 2011