Kistler Durell Vineyard Chardonnay 2018

Kistler Durell Vineyard Chardonnay 2018 is a full-bodied, single-vineyard white wine from the Sonoma Coast region of California. Kistler Vineyards is a family-owned winery based in Sebastopol, Sonoma County. Established in 1978 by Steve Kistler and Mark Bixler, they focus on Burgundy varieties, making 10 vineyard-designated Chardonnay wines and four designated Pinot Noir wines. Bottled since 1986, the Durell Vineyard cuvée is sourced from a vineyard located in the southern reach of the Sonoma Valley, where it meets the Sonoma Coast and Carneros appellations. "The 2018 Chardonnay Durell Vineyard is wonderfully perfumed and light on its feet. Tangerine oil, apricot, chamomile and yellow orchard fruit show a brighter side of Chardonnay, and yet the Durell remains striking in its resonance and vibrancy. A bit of youthful austerity needs to soften, so I would cellar the 2018 for another year or two. It is fascinating to taste the Stone Flat and the Durell together. One of the differences between the two parcels is the choice of rootstocks. This portion of the vineyard employs 3309 rootstock." Vinous, 2020