Kistler's 1990 Chardonnays represent the pinnacle of what this grape is capable of achieving in California. In contrast to the Dutton Ranch, the 1990 Vine Hill Road Chardonnay is more open and forward, with an intense, buttery, apple blossom, toasty-scented nose, and opulent, rich, and powerful flavors that possess enough acidity to provide delineation to the wine's personality. Drink this intense, concentrated, stylish, French-like Chardonnay over the next 3-4 years. The extraordinary team of Steve Kistler and Mark Bixler fashions exhilarating Chardonnays that are compellingly complex, lavishly rich, and exceptionally well-balanced. One can quibble over which is best, but they are all immensely satisfying Chardonnays. Given how irresistible they are young, most of them are probably drunk within hours of purchase. That may be a shame, as Kistler's best cuvees of 1987 and 1988 are aging exceptionally well.