19 replies to this topic

[cabrales]

Does the Kistler event appear price-appropriate or arguably even a good deal? <_<

[mitchells]

Seems like a lot of money for Redeye Grill food.

[cabrales]

I would think the food would be irrelevant. I'd probably only eat it to make sure I didn't drink too much on an empty stomach. The Kistler verticals sound interesting, though :huh:

[Wilfrid1]

Redeye Grill is not a cheap place. I wouldn't make any big claims for the kitchen (although I rather like that shrimp dish), but they serve reasonable quality seafood, which comes at a price. I am not familiar with the cost of those wines, but the overall price tag doesn't seem outrageous.

[Marty L.]

Cabrales---are you familliar with the Kistler wines? It is a style of wine (big, oaky, buttery, low-acid) that some people appreciate but is not to everyone's taste. The wines sell for $60 to $100 per bottle.

[cabrales]

Marty -- No, I've only tasted one Kistler Chardonnay to date. Based on the style you describe, I'm not sure it would necessarily be to my liking. Why are the wines relatively expensive, for a CA Chard? :huh:

[Steven Dilley]

Seems like a reasonable price to me, though I'm not a Kistler fan. The Chardonnays are somewhat over-the-top, and the Pinots often remind me more of Syrah than anything else. Still, for $250 it's not a bad deal--definitely enough pours to figure out if Kistler does it for you. Considering many of their bottles sell after-mkt in the $200-range, it might be a reasonable way to decide if these wines are worth pursuing. (And if you decide they are, I have a couple of cases available. :P )

[Marty L.]

Why are the wines relatively expensive, for a CA Chard?

Like many of the cult California wines, Kistler sells its wines primarily to consumers directly through a mailing list and to restaurants and I believe the wines are produced in fairly limited quantities. Then of course there are the Parker raves.

I can't really speak to the intrinsic quality of the wines as I am just not enough of a fan of the style to have tasted them with any frequency (let alone assess them with any great care) but evidently there is a market for the wines at those prices so some people must like them a great deal.

To me the prices are ludicrous when you can buy Raveneau Chablis for the same money, but those wines appeal to a different palate.

[cabrales]

Considering many of their bottles sell after-mkt in the $200-range, it might be a reasonable way to decide if these wines are worth pursuing.

That's very expensive -- one could buy certain Haut Brion Blancs and all Lavilles for that price :o

[beachfan]

From what I've seen you post on wine you like, you wouldn't like Kistler.

[SFJoe]

From what I've seen you post on wine you like, you wouldn't like Kistler.

Almost certainly true. But you will for damn sure know after a big tasting.

OTOH, if you can drink high end Bdx blanc with less than 30 years on it, you have some tolerance for oak.

[SFJoe]

The Sonoma Coast PN is not the most sought-after bottling.

Not that I personally seek any of them.

[cabrales]

I've signed up, and will report back. :lol:

The upcoming tasting:

Entry Wines:
Walter Hansel Chardonnay 2001 (Sonoma, RP - 92 pts)
Walter Hansel 'Cahill Lane' Chardonnay 2001 (Sonoma, RP - 95 pts)

Pass Around Hors Douerves
Phyllo Tartlet with Lobster-Avocado Salad
Maryland Blue Crab Cakes


Flight 1: A vertical of Vine Hill Vineyards Chardonnay
Kistler Vineyards Vine Hill Chardonnay 1995 (RP - 93 pts)
Kistler Vineyards Vine Hill Chardonnay 1997 (RP - 91+ pts)
Kistler Vineyards Vine Hill Chardonnay 1999 (RP - 96 pts)

Food Course 1: Red Eye Grill Maki (Rolls)
Red Roof - Yellowfin Tuna wrapped around smoked Salmon and Avocado
Dragon Roll - Grilled Smoked Eel with Avocado, Cucumuber and Scallions


Flight 2: A Vertical of 'the Kistler Vineyard' :
Kistler Vineyards' Kistler Vineyard Chardonnay 1995 (RP - 94 pts)
Kistler Vineyards' Kistler Vineyard Chardonnay 1997 (RP - 93 pts)
Kistler Vineyards' Kistler Vineyard Chardonnay 1999 (RP - 94+ pts)

Food Course 2:
Grilled Jumbo Diver Scallops, with Mango Relish

Flight 3: A Vertical of Cuvee Cathleen Chardonnays
Kistler Vineyards Cuvee Cathleen Chardonnay 1995 (RP - 94+ pts)
Kistler Vineyards Cuvee Cathleen Chardonnay 1997 (RP - 95 pts)
Kistler Vineyards Cuvee Cathleen Chardonnay 1999 (RP - 98 pts)

Food Course 3
Coconut Dancing Shrimp with Spicy Pineapple Dipping Sauce

Flight 4: A vertical of Kistler Pinot Noirs
Kistler Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 1995
Kistler Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 1997
Kistler Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 1999
(these wines have not been rated by Robert Parker)

Food Course 4:
Porcini Crusted Mahi-Mahi

Dessert
Red Eye Grill's Famous Banana Cream Pie
Coffee or Tea

Dessert Wine Surprise: A vintage Sauternes or Trokenbeerenauslese (TBA)

[cabrales]

Whilst the Kistler verticals were very interesting, I agree with certain other members that the style of the wines is not for me. Still, I'm very glad I sampled applicable wines (incl. the Cuvee Cathleen 19995, 1997 and 1996), but they're not for me. Especially since for the same price, or a lower price, I could be buying Corton Charlemagne, B Martray. <_<

May I ask how certain members knew that, even before I attended this Kistler tasting? :o

[SFJoe]

May I ask how certain members knew that, even before I attended this Kistler tasting? :o

ESP