Overview
A beautifully poised expression of Californian Chardonnay, Les Noisetiers 2024 combines the richness and texture for which Kistler is renowned with vibrant acidity, mineral precision and refined oak integration. Sourced from vineyard sites in the Russian River Valley, this wine displays an elegant interplay of ripe citrus, stone fruit, white flowers and its signature hazelnut character.
Vintage
The 2024 vintage experienced a warmer growing season than the preceding year, producing wines of generous fruit concentration while retaining distinctive vineyard character. Kistler's careful approach to viticulture and winemaking has delivered a Chardonnay that balances richness, freshness and structural precision.
Vineyard
Les Noisetiers is sourced primarily from Vine Hill, Trenton Roadhouse, Dutton Ranch and Laguna Ridge vineyards, situated in the Russian River Valley near the Sonoma Coast. The vineyards feature well-drained Goldridge sandy loam soils, contributing to the wine's aromatic clarity, natural acidity and mineral character.
The vineyards are planted with Kistler's proprietary heritage Chardonnay selection, known for producing small berries, naturally low yields and concentrated flavours while maintaining excellent acidity.
Winemaking
The grapes are hand-harvested at night and gently whole-cluster pressed. Fermentation takes place in French oak barrels using indigenous yeasts, preserving the natural character of the fruit and building complexity.
The 2024 wine was matured for approximately 10 months on lees in French oak barrels, with 38% new oak. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered, retaining its texture and vineyard expression.
Critic Reviews
92/100 â Antonio Galloni, Vinous
âThe 2024 Chardonnay Les Noisetiers is a total delight. Aromatic and light on its feet, yet also quite expansiveâ
Reviewed 2026
17/20 â Jancis Robinson
âExcellent balance between fruit and oakâ
Tasted 22 July 2026
92/100 â CellarTracker
Community rating for the 2024 vintage.
Producer
Founded in 1978 by Steve Kistler, Kistler Vineyards is one of California's most respected producers of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Based in Sonoma County, the family-owned estate has developed a cult following for its vineyard-designated wines, combining Burgundian-inspired winemaking techniques with the distinctive character of California's coastal vineyards.
Kistler's Chardonnay is renowned for its concentration, refined texture and ageing potential. Historically associated with rich, oak-influenced styles, the winery has increasingly emphasised freshness, mineral definition and vineyard individuality, producing wines that balance generosity with precision and elegance.
Specifications
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Vintage: 2024
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Producer: Kistler Vineyards
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Cuvée: Les Noisetiers
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Country: United States
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Region: California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
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Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay
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Wine Style: Still White Wine
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Sweetness: Dry
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Alcohol: 14.2%
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Soil: Goldridge sandy loam
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Harvest: Hand Harvested
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Fermentation: Indigenous yeast fermentation in French oak barrels
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Maturation: Approximately 10 months on lees in French oak
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New Oak: 38%
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Production Attributes: Sustainably Farmed, Unfined and Unfiltered
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Drinking Window: 2026â2032
