lightly damp stained label

96 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2009 Chardonnay Hudson Vineyard bursts onto the palate with waves of fruit. This is yet another dazzling wine from Kistler endowed with tremendous depth, detail and classiness. Smoke, crushed rocks and apricots are woven into the fabric of this seamless showstopper. The creamy, expansive finish makes it hard to resist a second taste. (AG) 96+ (2/2012)

94 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Vivid yellow-gold. Pungent, mineral-dominated bouquet evokes fresh citrus fruits, honeysuckle and iodine, with a bright, spicy topnote. Stains the palate with intense lemon, orange and ginger flavors, gaining sweetness and depth with air. Refuses to let go of the palate, finishing with a nervy stony character, resonating spiciness and outstanding persistence. (ST) (5/2012)