Kistler Chardonnay Russian River Valley Vine Hill Vineyard 2021

97+ points Erin Brooks (Wine Advocate): "The 2021 Chardonnay Vine Hill Vineyard comes from vines planted on AXR rootstock in 1988. Vibrancy and deep fruit define this wine, although the Vine Hill's aromatics take some time to segue from saline and iodine to fresh quince and lime peel. The medium-bodied palate features concentrated quince and apple flavors anchored by a singular bit of grip to the texture. Its tangy acidity and a chalky character to the finish, creates a shimmery effect and drives you to take another sip. It will be very long lived in the cellar. Drink: 2025-2040. (8/31/23)"

97 points Audrey Frick (JebDunnuck.com): "A sunny golden hue, the 2021 Chardonnay Vine Hill Vineyard is ripe and savory, with a more brothy nature and a note of fresh sage. The palate has more structure and an almost grippy feel, with driving acidity in its notes of fleshy earth, orange pith, peach skin, toasted spice, and a touch of pineapple. it has mouthwatering acidity without being harsh in any way, thanks to its balance, and it’s savory on the finish. Drink it over the next 15 years.Located in the Russian River Valley, Kistler is led today by winemaker Jason Kesner, who continues the long tradition of working from a singular clone of Chardonnay with Burgundian lineage that Steve Kistler, now of Occidental Wines, began in the 1980s. The 2021s were all tasted at the winery with Jason this May. Across the board, the wines from this vintage carry a savory profile that’s less about its fruit character and more about texture and sense of place, expressing a haunting sense of power and range. These are wines that I sometimes find difficult to pin down into words, but they are truly worth experiencing for yourself. (7/21/23)"

97 points Wine Spectator: "A complex, deep and wonderfully generous expression of Chardonnay, showing flavors of quince, caramelized pear, lemon curd and peach preserves. This white's touch of honeycomb is complemented by marzipan and toasted sesame seed notes, with a hint of lemon balm on the long, expressive finish. Drink now through 2037. 1,050 cases made. (4/24/24)"

97 points James Suckling: "The aromas of ocean spray and fresh seaweed with some mussel shell are prevailing. Full-bodied with phenolic tension that brings you vertically down and long on the finish. Focused and tight. Give it time to open. Try after 2025. (3/21/23)"

96 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2021 Chardonnay Vine Hill Vineyard bristles with tons of energy and nuance. Crushed rocks, mint, flowers, lemon confit and hazelnut all race across the palate. More than anything else, I am drawn by the wine's remarkable energy and tension. There is a feeling of explosive, mineral-drenched drive that is palpable. Drink: 2024-2031. (Jan 2024)"