2015 Kistler Sonoma Mountain Chardonnay

2015 Kistler Sonoma Mountain Chardonnay SKU #1291604

$64.99

Tasting Notes

Grown in the hills above the Sonoma Valley on well-drained, volcanic soils, this Chardonnay is known for its elegance and balance. About Kistler's winemaking from Robert Parker: "This winery has long featured some of the finest terroirs on the Sonoma Coast and Russian River for Chardonnays, and their approach has clearly been very Burgundian, with full malolactic fermentation, no acid adjustments and letting the vineyard and clonal material push its personality to the forefront. Perhaps the biggest change of all has been the shift to 100% indigenous yeast fermentations for all the wines." (12/2013)

Staff Reviews

By: Bryan Brick
3/7/2017
K&L Staff Member

Holy Moly! Are we actually sending out an e-mail about the always asked about and rarely in stock Kistler? We sure are! Over the last couple of years Kistler has begun releasing one wine to the broad market, and even then only to a select few customers. That wine is the 2015 Kistler Sonoma Mountain Chardonnay; all the other wines are still mailing list only. This Chardonnay shows why so many people have clamored after these wines for so long. <br> With an impeccable balance of richness and structure that is rarely found in California Chardonnay this wine shows off expressive aromas of dried apricots, fried polenta and vanilla custard in the nose to add depth to the higher toned persimmon and wet stone notes. Sinewy and powerful but with an airy frame this wine may be a bit more energetic than some remember the brand. With resonating citrus oil, brioche, a hint of pan fried popcorn and a return of apricot found on the nose this is one energetic and fresh Chardonnay that does carry some broadness as it unfurls on the palate. While this may be a bit “fresher” than some remember it back in the 90’s through the mid-00’s it is still full of class, precision and charm.
By: Mari Keilman
3/1/2017
K&L Staff Member

The 2015 Kistler Sonoma Mountain Chardonnay is everything you could want in a classic Cali Chard. Intense tropical and citrus notes along with a judicious amount of caramelized toast and brioche are matched on the palate with a full body, and glycerol creaminess. And just when you think this wine is about to go over the top, the bright, zippy acidity from the Sonoma Mountain AVA keeps it in check and creates a complete and balanced crowd-pleaser Chardonnay.
By: Gary Norton
2/28/2017
K&L Staff Member

These wines always change my view when it comes to high-tier domestic whites. Many expressions of Chardonnay at this price point are overblown and heavy, indicating that I am subsidizing the estate's new barrel program rather than paying for a well-made, balanced Chardonnay. I trust Kistler with my money and you should too. These wines are worth every penny and it's clear that the price point is reflective of the quality of the wine and the people behind the production. Arguably the best producer of white wines in California. Period.
By: David Othenin-Girard
2/28/2017
K&L Staff Member

The wonderful '15 Kistler Sonoma Mountain lives up to every expectation. A big nose of ripe tropical fruit, well integrated toasty oak, and decadent vanilla cream. The powerful nose makes you expect a total monster on the palate and it is REALLY rich, but there's this lovely lemony zesty side that reminds us, yes indeed this is Chardonnay. Really the total package from the highest quality Sonoma Mountain Chard producer.
By: Stephanie Vidales
2/28/2017
K&L Staff Member

Kistler's 2015 Sonoma Mountain Chardonnay was the first Kistler wine I have tasted and I can see why it is so popular. Elegant and balanced, this wine offers all you'd want in a California Chardonnay. The fresh citrus and tropical fruit combined with luscious richness, toasty oak and bright acid come together to make a tasty well-rounded Chardonnay.
By: Anthony Gittings
2/27/2017
K&L Staff Member

Kistler wines are synonymous with high quality wine. This is one of Sonoma's premier wineries and I am proud we carry this Chardonnay. Sourced from the family's mountain vineyards, this wine delivers a unique Burgundian style. Juicy lemon and honey are well integrated with a rich creamy, almost meringue texture. A long clean finish polishes off this outstanding wine. I highly recommend this to anyone who is a Chardonnay lover!
By: Andrew Stevens
2/27/2017
K&L Staff Member

This is the perfect entry into one of the most recognizable Chardonnay producers of California, giving you a lovely overview of why Kistler is so highly rated. Made from a cuvee of all of the terroir Kistler works with, this is the overview wine that allows people to glimpse what this winery has to offer. Rich fruit on the nose gives a hint to the power and focus of this wine. Lots of stone fruit, with little hints of tropical lushness and wet rock are carried forward on a core of acid the leads to a long finish. Well balanced and very clean despite being a big wine in some ways.