“Another impressive group of Chardonnays from Steve Kistler, these 2006s are unmistakenly Burgundian in their aromatics, textures, and flavor profiles.  Kistler has given up on the highly fashionable Dijon clones, relying on old California clones, primarily old Wente selections.  He feels the same about Pinot Noir, using the Calera and other older California clones rather than the Dijon selections.”

Chardonnay

2006 Cuvée Cathleen Chardonnay – 96-98

“The 2006 Chardonnay Kistler Vineyard Cuvée Cathleen, from a specific block of that site, reveals flowery white currant, peach, and tropical fruit notes interwoven with undeniable minerality and impressive acidity.  A full-bodied Chardonnay with excellent density, ripeness, and length, it should drink well for a decade.”

2006 Kistler Vineyard Chardonnay – 96-98

“The 2006 Chardonnay Kistler Vineyard’s light gold hue is followed by a flowery, honeysuckle, crushed rock, white currant, nectarine, and caramel-scented bouquet.  This full-bodied effort possesses superb acidity as well as length.  Drink this stunner over the next 6-10 years.”

2006 Stone Flat Vineyard Chardonnay – 95-96

“Tasting like a top-notch Corton-Charlemagne, the 2006 Chardonnay Stone Flat Vineyard offers a deep, dense core of orange blossomos, nectarines, tangerines, and hints of wet rocks, white currants, and spring flowers.  Full-bodied with a nutty, caramelized tropical fruit character on the palate, this beauty should drink well for 7-8 years.”

2006 Durell Vineyard Chardonnay – 94-96

“Always dominated by crushed rock and a liquid minerality component, it also possesses notes of lemon oil, brioche, white currants, white peaches, and a lemon custard-like character.  Full-bodied with beautiful subtlety, zesty acidity, and a long finish, it can be enjoyed over the next 5-7 years.”

2006 Vine Hill Vineyard Chardonnay – 93-96

“Light gold with a greenish hue, the 2006 Chardonnay Vine Hill Vineyard exhibits aromas and flavors of lemon oil, peaches, nectarines, guava, and caramelized spices with a subtle wood component.  Full-bodied with crisp acidity as well as a long finish, it should offer lovely drinking for 7-8 years.”

2006 Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay – 93-95

“Lemon grass, orange blossom, marmalade, and nectarine characteristics along with notes of buttered citrus, peach, and wet stones are found in the 2006 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard.  A full-bodied, beautifully textured style suggest this beauty will drink nicely for 5-7 years.”

2006 Hudson Vineyard Chardonnay – 93-95

“An exotic effort, the 2006 Chardonnay Hudson Vineyard exhibits a light straw/green hue as well as boisterous, exuberant notes of buttery tropical fruit and smoky nuts.  It is the most flamboyant and showy of these Chardonnays.  Enjoy it over the next 4-6 years.”

2006 McCrea Vineyard Chardonnay – 93-94

“The 2006 Chardonnay McCrea Vineyard exhibits a light gold/green hue along with aromas of stone fruits, honey, orange zest (or is it tangerine?), and subtle wood spices.  Full-bodied with beautiful texture as well as purity, and a long finish, it should drink well for 5-7 years.”

2006 Dutton Ranch Chardonnay – 92-94

“The 2006 Chardonnay Dutton Ranch is structured and tannic, with more acidity, and a leaner, more backward personality with a chalky character.  White currant, hazelnut, and wood spice notes are present in this medium to full-bodied white.”

Pinot Noir

2006 Cuvée Elizabeth Pinot Noir – 96-98

“The 2006 Pinot Noir Bodega Headlands Cuvée Elizabeth is undeniably a grand cru effort.  Black raspberry, spring flower (violets), and kirsch aromas soar from the glass of this dark ruby/purple-tinged wine.  Medium to full-bodied with zesty acidity, beautiful penetration, and a soaring mid-palate as well as length result in a prodigious example of Pinot Noir that should drink well for a decade or more.”

2006 Cuvée Catherine Pinot Noir – 94-96

“The dark ruby/purple-hued 2006 Pinot Noir Kistler Vineyard Cuvée Catherine Occidental Station offers notes of raspberries, kirsch, plums, Allspice, and damp forest.  Although full-bodied with excellent fruit and richness, I do not believe it will be as superb as the 2005.”