Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Connoisseurs' Guide
Regardless of vintner, Chardonnays from the Hudson Vineyard always seem to exhibit an extra measure of showy richness, and, while this version never comes close to being overdone, it is among Kistler’s richer and more complex 2016 offerings with an abundance of deep and unceasing, ripe apple fruit joined by no small measure of always complementary, creamy oak. Not in the least heavy but a fairly full-bodied wine that begs for pairing with appropriately flavorful dishes, it will shine with umami-rich entrees in the short term and is certain to provide memorable drinking for at least another five years
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Jeb Dunnuck
One of the more masculine, mineral-laced releases, the 2016 Chardonnay Hudson Vineyard comes from a terrific site in Carneros. Lots of spiced orchard fruits, apple blossom, crushed rocks and a salty, oyster shell-like character give way to a medium-bodied, rich, concentrated effort that’s only hinting at its ultimate potential today. Give it 2-3 years and enjoy over the following decade or more.
Rating: 94+ -
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2016 Chardonnay Hudson Vineyard is slightly subdued at this early stage, offering up subtle notes of green guava, lemon tart, fresh Bosc pears and baker’s yeast with touches of coriander seed, lanolin and lime leaves. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has an almost electric intensity of tightly wound flavors with a racy line and long, satin-textured finish.
Rating: 94+ -
Wine Spectator
Red berry and white cherry flavor are crisp and well-focused in this sleek, fruity style. Light minerality and dried savory notes emerge on the finish. Drink now through 2023.
One of the most popular and versatile white wine grapes, Chardonnay offers a wide range of flavors and styles depending on where it is grown and how it is made. While it tends to flourish in most environments, Chardonnay from its Burgundian homeland produces some of the most remarkable and longest lived examples. California produces both oaky, buttery styles and leaner, European-inspired wines. Somm Secret—The Burgundian subregion of Chablis, while typically using older oak barrels, produces a bright style similar to the unoaked style. Anyone who doesn't like oaky Chardonnay would likely enjoy Chablis.
A standout region for its decidedly Californian take on Burgundian varieties, the Russian River Valley is named for the eponymous river that flows through it. While there are warm pockets of the AVA, it is mostly a cool-climate growing region thanks to breezes and fog from the nearby Pacific Ocean.
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir reign supreme in Russian River, with the best examples demonstrating a unique combination of richness and restraint. The cool weather makes Russian River an ideal AVA for sparkling wine production, utilizing the aforementioned varieties. Zinfandel also performs exceptionally well here. Within the Russian River Valley lie the smaller appellations of Chalk Hill and Green Valley. The former, farther from the ocean, is relatively warm, with a focus on red and white Bordeaux varieties. The latter is the coolest, foggiest parcel of the Russian River Valley and is responsible for outstanding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.