Kistler 2023 Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay

Founded in 1978, Kistler Vineyards is widely regarded as one of California’s benchmark Chardonnay producers. The winery has built its reputation on meticulous vineyard selection, low-intervention winemaking, and a steadfast commitment to expressing individual vineyard sites through single-vineyard bottlings.
The Hyde Vineyard, located in the cool-climate Carneros appellation on the Napa side of San Pablo Bay, is one of California’s most revered Chardonnay vineyards. Planted by Larry Hyde in 1979, the site benefits from cooling maritime influences, persistent morning fog, and well-drained clay loam soils. These conditions allow for a long growing season that promotes exceptional flavour development while preserving acidity and freshness.
The 2023 vintage experienced a notably cool and extended growing season, resulting in wines with outstanding balance, aromatic precision, and natural acidity. The fruit was hand-harvested, whole-cluster pressed, and fermented with indigenous yeasts in French oak barrels.

Tasting Notes
Colour: Brilliant pale gold with green-gold reflections

Nose: Aromas of Meyer lemon, white peach, nectarine, and citrus blossom layered with notes of crushed stone, hazelnut, brioche, and subtle flinty minerality

Palate: Full-bodied and richly textured, with concentrated flavours of lemon curd, ripe orchard fruit, and stone fruit supported by vibrant acidity and pronounced mineral tension. The wine displays exceptional depth and precision, with seamless integration of fruit, oak, and acidity

Finish: Long and persistent, with lingering citrus, saline minerality, toasted almond, and subtle spice notes