Steve Kistler and Mark Bixler founded the Kistler winery in 1978 and relied exclusively on Chardonnay and Pinot on the vineyards in the Sonoma Valley and on the Russian River. There are indeed ideal conditions here near the Atlantic, which are perfect for Burgundy vines. Elegance and finesse are striking when it comes to Kistler wines and are highly regarded even by overseas critical European palates. Its extract-rich, creamy substance and, in Pinot, radiant, redberry fruit are beguiling. The fact that the wines are based on excellent substance and balance is proven by their phenomenal storage capacity, clarity, precision, sensuality and freshness. That is Tier Grand Cru (or even Grand Cru plus...).