Kistler Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay 2008

"The stunning 2008 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard reveals an intense bouquet of tropical fruits, white currants, white peaches, pineapple and citrus oil followed by a full-bodied white that lives up to its exquisite aromatics. It should drink beautifully for 7-8 years.

Not only have the 2008's lived up to or exceeded their potential from last year’s barrel tastings, the 2009s appear to be fabulous as well. Of course, 2008 was a much more challenging vintage and 2009 was a cool year, much like 2005, with slightly lower alcohols and higher yields than the short crop of 2008. All of the 2009 Chardonnays finished with around 14+% alcohol levels and had more minerality than usual. Kistler’s bottled 2008s were all concentrated. The 2008 Chardonnays have the potential to last even longer than the 2009s given the fact that they are even more concentrated than those wines."

96 Points

The Wine Advocate

"Vivid yellow. Seductively aromatic nose offers ripe peach and melon scents complicated by spice and smoke and lifted by a floral element. Showing more power and intensity than the Hudson, with deep pit fruit flavors and a hint of mango. Finishes with superb clarity and length, the mineral and spice notes echoing."

95 Points

International Wine Cellar

"Trim, intense and focused, with a citrusy edge and a long, lingering finish that promises to only get better. A touch more leesy in character than the other Kistlers. Best from 2012 through 2020."

93 Points

Wine Spectator