At a glance

Producer

Kistler Vineyards

Region

Sonoma Mountain AVA, Sonoma Mountain, Sonoma County, California, United States

Grape variety

Chardonnay (100%)

Wine type

White

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$80-$120

Tasting profile

White peach, baked apple, toasted almond, subtle vanilla, balanced mineral notes, creamy texture

Evolution: Over 5-10 years, develops more complex nutty, honeyed, and brioche notes with integrated oak and lingering minerality

At peak: Rich, layered palate with harmony between fruit, oak, acidity, and subtle oxidative complexity

Structure

Acidity

High, balanced

Tannins

None (typical for white Burgundy-style Chardonnay)

Alcohol

14.1%

Aging potential

Excellent, capable of 15+ years aging due to structure, acidity, and quality of fruit

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2025 to 2032

Optimal window

2022 to 2035

Current status

Approaching early maturity with excellent balance

Current condition

Bright acidity with evolving secondary aromas, drinking very well now but will benefit from cellaring for several more years

The 2018 vintage on McCrea Vineyard shows excellent ripeness balanced by Sonoma Mountain’s cool climate acidity and well-managed oak aging, providing a long and structured evolution path typical for Kistler's vintage-dated Chardonnay bottlings.

Food pairing

Excellent with poultry in cream sauces, lobster, shellfish, rich seafood dishes, soft cheeses, and mildly spiced Asian cuisine.

Serving

Serving temperature

12-14°C / 54-57°F

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Kistler Vineyards employs water conservation, solar energy initiatives, integrated pest management, minimal chemical use, and eco-friendly packaging

Kistler is recognized for commitment to environmental stewardship including vineyard soil health, water and energy conservation, and minimal impact packaging. Though not formally certified, winery practices align closely with sustainable viticulture principles reducing overall environmental footprint relative to industry average.