McCrea Vineyard Athearn Estate Chardonnay

A little too in your face for me. Blast of pineapple melon and oak.

Another superb showing for the McRea, lemon zest and chalk with some resolved oaky ooomph. May be best value in Kistler lineup.

Surprised at how well this was holding up (when comparing to the ‘09 I had last year). Plenty acidity. Lots of pineapple and white peach notes accompanied by chalky limestone and some herbal notes. I didn’t pick up a lot of savory notes like I have on other older Kistlers (like sea salt/popcorn kernel). I even picked up some green apple on the mid palate showing that this particular bottle has plenty of life ahead.

Opened a few fun bottles to celebrate my birthday this past weekend. Cheers to 31!

This is one of the better young Kistlers I’ve had. In fact, there was a lot of similarities between this and some of Aubert’s Chardonnays (which are my favorite), in that there was a distinct lemon cream note all over this wine. Soft yet powerful, there was savory sea salt and marzipan notes aromatically. On the palate, it was almost glycerin like with ripe tropical fruits (pineapple, guava) and some white peach skin. Honey roasted cashews too. I thought it may be too acidic before I opened due to age, but this was drinking really well. Long finish.

This was very much in the savory style so I’m not sure if it’s due to age or just the style (not a lot of experience with this Kistler chard). Sea salt, popcorn kernel, grilled lemon and baked peach pie. Lovely texture and acidity. The ‘10 Aubert Lauren it was poured alongside had more of the rich, sweet lemon cream notes, so that may have highlighted the savoriness here.

Another rich and delicious 2013 Kistler Chardonnay that's ready to drink... this one has more mineral notes than some other Kistler releases. A great cool-weather white wine, thanks to the generous French oak influence.

Sulphuric/slightly skunky, burnt lemon meringue pie on the nose. Acidity has almost fallen off completely. Really unique palate with honeyed mango and walnuts. Finish has a lemon bar note! One of the more complex Kistler chards I’ve ever had.

Ferociously good, came out punching, leading with lemon zest, tight and intense. Loved this with hard cheese.

Compared to the Vine Hill this had more weight and layers. The nose showed some vanilla and lemon. The palate had citrus and toasted brioche, with florals and slight minerality on the finish. Great acidity, it paired well with several rich fish courses. After a small taste, I pulled a @David L and had them decant the rest which was a good call.

Tasted blind. Darker medium gold. Looks old. Pleasant nose. But in the mouth this shows overripe apricots with some heat. Lacks acidity. Over the hill. Maybe this was poorly stored at some point.