The 2023 Chardonnay Sonoma Mountain is one of the most distinctive wines in the Kistler range. It emerges from parcels at McCrea with reddish soils (parcels with whiter soils are used for the vineyard-designate). A wine of total class and sophistication, the 2023 is immediately seductive. Dried flowers, mint, chamomile, herbs, white pepper, citrus peel and subtle earthy undertones all take shape in the glass. The 2023 is especially fine. It approaches the quality of the vineyard-designates, making it something of a hidden gem in this broad portfolio.