I have always been a fan of the flamboyant, gaudy Chardonnay from the Hudson Vineyard, and Kistler's 1996 Chardonnay Hudson Vineyard is one of the more opulently-styled wines in this portfolio, with a smoky, buttery, tropical fruit-scented nose, thick, juicy, succulent flavors, adequate acidity, and a lusty, pure, plump, layered finish. It is one of the more forward Kistler Chardonnays, yet should age well for 3-4 years. All the Kistler Chardonnays are made in a Burgundian manner. They are barrel-fermented, given full malolactic fermentation, extensive lees stirring, racked out of their barrels following a year's cask aging, and allowed to settle in tank until bottling, which usually occurs without any fining or filtration. All of the wines reviewed in this segment were tasted from tank as they were awaiting bottling early next year. Readers should recognize that Kistler's policy is to sell most of their production directly to consumers and restaurants. Readers who live in states that permit direct shipment of California wines should be sure and get on the winery's mailing list. Tel. (707) 823-5603; Fax (707) 823-6709

I have always been a fan of the flamboyant, gaudy Chardonnay from the Hudson Vineyard, and Kistler's 1996 Chardonnay Hudson Vineyard is one of the more opulently-styled wines in this portfolio, with a smoky, buttery, tropical fruit-scented nose, thick, juicy, succulent flavors, adequate acidity, and a lusty, pure, plump, layered finish. It is one of the more forward Kistler Chardonnays, yet should age well for 3-4 years. All the Kistler Chardonnays are made in a Burgundian manner. They are barrel-fermented, given full malolactic fermentation, extensive lees stirring, racked out of their barrels following a year's cask aging, and allowed to settle in tank until bottling, which usually occurs without any fining or filtration. All of the wines reviewed in this segment were tasted from tank as they were awaiting bottling early next year.Readers should recognize that Kistler's policy is to sell most of their production directly to consumers and restaurants. Readers who live in states that permit direct shipment of California wines should be sure and get on the winery's mailing list.Tel. (707) 823-5603; Fax (707) 823-6709