In December, we were fortunate to attend a spectacular preview tasting of upcoming Kistler Chardonnay and Pinot Noir releases with winemaker Jason Kesner. This sumptuous evening was held at the glamourous WaterBar restaurant in San Francisco. We delighted in each of the rare, vineyard-designate Chardonnays from the heralded 2013 vintage. I’ve listed pre-release ratings below as a range from this event and our colleagues on the California Wine Advisors panel will weigh in with final ratings following release. Overall, I’ll say that Kesner and Kistler are hitting their stride, continuing to achieve the pinnacle of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir success in California. These Kistler releases benefited from virtually ideal growing conditions during the 2013 vintage displaying tightly wound, balanced fruit flavors that attest to their “new World” roots while maintain acid levels and a sense of elegance reminiscent of favorite Burgundy (Meursault and Corton Charlemagne or Vosne Romanee for the Pinots). The 2013 Kistler Chardonnays will impress upon release (decanting recommended) and reward patience as well, peaking between 2020 – 2022 in my estimate. The 2013 Pinots featured such deftly balanced, exotic and seductive dark fruit flavors these wines will thrill for at least a decade when cellared properly but may be savored now after decanting (half hour recommended). Favorite food pairings of the evening included the massive prawns with the Chardonnay and tuna tartare with the Pinot Noir. Jason Kesner, an affable craftsman, has now been in his role as full time winemaker for enough years to prove that this world-famous winery is on the right path much to the relief of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir connoisseurs worldwide!

Kistler Chardonnay 2013 vineyard designates
2013 Vine Hill (96 – 97 points)
2013 Trenton Roadhouse (98 – 99 points)
2013 Hyde (96 – 97 points)
2013 Kistler Estate vineyard (97 – 99 points)
2013 Cuvee Cathleen (99 – 100 points)

Kistler Occidental Pinot Noir 2013
2013 Cuvee Elizabeth (97 – 98 points)
2013 SWK (98 – 99 points)