Newly Acquired

[vickiruzicka]

I hope I've done the right thing: I just purchased my first bottle of Chardonnay through a wine auction. Did I do well and when will it be drinkable? Kistler Vineyard, Russian River Valley, Le Noisetiers, $49.00.

[wondersofwine]

Welcome to the board. You left out a vital bit of information--the year the Chardonnay was produced (the vintage on the label).

[wineguruchgo]

The only recent release of that wine was the 01' vintage released in 2003.

Here is what the winery says:

2001 “Les Noisetiers” Chardonnay
$50 per bottle
Perfumed, complex aroma of ripe fruits, minerals and nut oil – on the palate bright lemon flavors combine with toasted almonds and pain grille. Richly textured, long, lingering finish. Delicious now or will reward further aging.

Since the winery is recommending a $50.00 price tag and you paid less you didn't get ripped off which is good.

Kistler consistanly scores in the mid to high 90's in Spectator so I'm guessing this is a single vineyard and is probably a spectacular bottle of wine.

Enjoy!

[vickiruzicka]

Thank you for your replies. I neglected to give you the vintage... 1999. How soon is it drinkable and do your comments still apply?

[wondersofwine]

It's probably ready to go.