2016 Chardonnay Hudson Vineyard

There is plenty to like in this range of 2016s. Steve Kistler is now fully out from the winery he founded in 1978. My distinct impression is that this will prove to be a very positive development for all parties. Kistler has moved on to Occidental, where he is making wines in a very different style than he did here. At the same time, Jason Kesner, Kistler's successor, has the freedom to update these wines and take them to the next level, which is, frankly, something that is needed after many years of being somewhat stuck stylistically. For example, I have long felt the wines, the Chardonnays in particular, could be more differentiated. Hopefully that is something that will come in time. As for the 2016s, they are all attractive wines that will drink well with minimal cellaring.