The McCrea Vineyard is one of Kistler's most acclaimed single-vineyard Chardonnays, sourced from a cool, high-elevation site on Sonoma Mountain. Fermented with native yeasts and aged in French oak, it exemplifies Kistler's signature balance of richness, precision, and site-driven minerality.
Tasting Notes
Brilliant pale gold with aromas of Meyer lemon, ripe pear, white peach, green apple, citrus blossom, hazelnut, brioche, and wet stone. The palate is rich yet focused, revealing layers of orchard fruit, lemon curd, toasted almond, and subtle vanilla, supported by vibrant acidity and pronounced mineral tension. The finish is long, creamy, and beautifully balanced, with exceptional freshness and elegance.
Professional Ratings
- 98 Points – Jeb Dunnuck
- 97 Points – James Suckling
- 96 Points – Vinous
- 95 Points – Wine Advocate
Drink Window
Enjoy now with decanting or cellar through 2037+, where it will develop greater complexity and nutty, savory nuances.
Food Pairing
Excellent with:
- Butter-poached lobster
- Seared scallops
- Roast chicken with herbs
- Halibut in beurre blanc
- Triple-cream Brie or aged Comté
Overall: The 2022 McCrea Vineyard is a benchmark California Chardonnay, combining concentrated orchard fruit, vibrant acidity, and striking mineral precision. Rich without excess, it is one of Kistler's finest single-vineyard expressions and consistently earns 95–98 point acclaim from leading critics.
Winery Notes:
Redwoods thrive in a very rare for the area mix of Sonoma volcanics and limestone
Athearn Estate-Bottled since 1988. Located on the eastern flank bench of Sonoma Mountain where redwoods thrive in a very rare for the area mix of Sonoma volcanics and limestone. Produces one of our more elegantly scented Chardonnays, perfumed by delicate morning floral and citrus blossom aromas, leading to a chalk like, subtle, ethereal core of fruit and lovely acidity.
Green-tinged, pale yellow. Newly opened morning citrus flowers, pear skin, grapefruit flesh just next to the rind and a chalky nature to the aromatics which is so distinctly McCrea. Perfectly ripe stone fruits woven with mineral undertones lead to an approach that fills and then cleanses the palate. Luxurious, long and lasting finish. Delicious.
