Kistler Vineyards Cuvee Cathleen Chardonnay 2019

Meyer lemons, incredible crushed stone-like minerality, nectarines, wood smoke, and grilled bread are all some of the nuances emerging from the 2019 Chardonnay Kistler Vineyard Cuvee Cathleen, a rich, deep, concentrated Chardonnay that also possesses bright, crisp acidity. This cuvée always brings the richness and opulence in the lineup, yet it still has a liqueur of rocks-like sensation on the palate and finish. It's up-front and loaded with fruit, and certainly offers pleasure, but give this a year or two of bottle age. It will shine for a solid decade.

The 2019 Chardonnay Kistler Vineyard Cuvée Cathleen is all density, power and texture. At times, the Cuvée feels more like a red wine. Dried flowers, lemon peel, marzipan, sage and mint confer striking complexity. Readers will find a dense, potent mountain Chardonnay that delivers the goods and then some. In 2019, the Cuvée is especially fine.

The 2019 Chardonnay Cuvée Cathleen takes time to open up to delicate wafts of white lilac, Meyer lemon, quince peel and sea spray, with hints of beeswax and almonds. The palate offers incredible tension between surprisingly generous fruits and tangy, salty lift. Its expansive, honey-laced flavors linger for an extraordinarily long finish. Wow! It deserves another 2-3 years in bottle at least.