More restrained, delicate and playing it closer to the vest is the 2013 Chardonnay Stone Flat Vineyard. This wine has a touch of tropical fruit, including mango and pineapple, good body and some gravel-like, stony minerality. Drink it over the next 4-6 years.

Kistler’s 2013 Chardonnay Stone Flat Vineyard is decidedly more vertical in feel than many other wines in the range. Phenolic intensity plays off a set of bright aromas and flavors, which makes for a complete and intriguing wine. A long, extended finish only adds to the wine’s considerable appeal. The Stone Flat is a gorgeous, complete wine, but it also needs a year or two to be at its best. This is an especially strong showing for the Stone Flat.