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1996 Kistler Dutton Ranch Chardonnay

Not Currently In Auction

Latest Sale Price

August 17, 2014 - $75

Estimate

RATINGS

94Stephen Tanzer

Extraordinarily penetrating, musky, Burgundian aromas are a cross between Chassagne truffle and herbs and Meursault roasted grain and toasted nuts (and the structure is akin to that of a Puligny). Great purity and intensity of fruit...

93Wine Spectator

Starts out smoky and toasty, turning focus to the ripe pear, fig, apricot and anise flavors, with a touch of hazelnut on the aftertaste.

90-92Robert M. Parker Jr.

Offers the tell-tale concoction of tropical fruit intertwined with smoky, meaty aromas. The wine possesses tangy acidity for a 1996, as well as provocative, rich, intense flavors that have obviously enjoyed plenty of lees stirring...

REGION

United States, California, Sonoma, Russian River Valley

Russian River Valley AVA is named for the river that meanders from Mendocino County in the north until it finally runs into the Pacific Ocean north of San Francisco. The AVA is cool thanks to its proximity to the northern California coast and the river, and grape growers must learn to deal with regular fog. Nevertheless in recent decades the AVA has become one of the best in the state, meaning that its wines often earn excellent reviews and have considerable cachet. The AVA status was awarded in 1983 and today the appellation has 15,000 vineyard acres. Chardonnay is the most widely planted grape though Pinot Noir has also been very successful in recent decades. Russian River Valley Pinot Noir are known for being rich, lush and filled with concentrated fruit and berry flavors. Russian River Pinot Noirs are today considered some of the best domestic Pinot Noirs.

TYPE

White Wine, Chardonnay

This white variety originated in Burgundy, but is now grown around the world. Its flexibility to thrive in many regions translates to wide flavor profile in the market. Chardonnay is commonly used in making Champagne and sparkling wines.