“This Kiss is delish!” 2008 Kistler Sonoma Mountain “Les Noisetiers” Chardonnay
$70: Kistler is a huge name in the world of California Pinots and Chardonnays, and they are at least partially responsible for California gaining the credibility that it has these days with regard to these most famous varietal wines.
As you can probably tell, even from the picture, this wine has more color on it than any other Chardonnay I have seen. It is completely golden in hue, almost like a pilsner beer but somehow with more depth. The nose carries a richness missing in most california chardonnay, even the expensive ones, with a complexity of earth and a pear/honeydew sorta thing going on. When you taste it, the first thing you notice is how drippingly opulent the mouthfeel is. This is so full bodied that if you couldn’t taste it, you might guess you were drinking a Sauterne or an Icewine. The taste has a unique spice note to it that remains subtle with a bright acidity and tartness. The finish is incredibly long and the whole thing in enveloped in a blanket of warm earthiness and floral qualities. For as few French white wines that I have had (I will work on that sooner or later), I would’ve sworn that this was one, if I didn’t know what it was going in. At a price point of $70 (if you can find it), it just may be worth it, once in a while. 92+ pts.
