2018 Kistler, Durell Vineyard, Sonoma Coast

Kistler's Durell Vineyard Chardonnay exemplifies their commitment to singular site expression, achieved through meticulous vineyard stewardship of a heritage clone selected for low yields and inherent acidity retention. The Durell Vineyard, positioned on the southeastern Sonoma Coast, benefits from rocky, mineral-rich basalt and Goulding clay loam soils, profoundly shaped by marine influence, which brings cool, foggy mornings and significant diurnal shifts. In the cellar, native yeast fermentation occurs in subterranean barrel chais, followed by *sur lie* aging in French oak, where controlled malolactic conversion integrates seamlessly to manage acidity. The 2018 growing season, characterized by a long, temperate period and extended hang time, allowed for full physiological ripeness while preserving excellent acid retention and a moderate alcohol profile. The resulting Chardonnay from this cool vintage exhibits textural density, a precise structural framework, and a persistent, integrated acidity.