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Kongsgaard Napa Valley Chardonnay 2014
95 Points - Rare One of California's most sought-after Chardonnays! Extremely limited Kongsgaard's 2012 Chardonnay Napa Valley is a blend from blocks of the Hudson and Hyde vineyards in the cool Napa Carneros. The Hudson vines provide the extravagant richness and the peach pit and almond aromatic intensity. The Hyde vineyard contributes to the mineral depth of the wine and the super high tones in the aroma. The unusually long barrel-ageing regime encompasses the slow fermentation and the subsequent very gentle exposure to oxygen, which both prepares the wine for graceful bottle ageing and unifies the wine’s diverse character into one complex voice. Robert Parker 95 Points: "The full-bodied 2012 Chardonnay reveals more buttery popcorn and honeysuckle characteristics, but there is no doubting the minerality, great fruit, super-freshness and 40+-second finish. Drink now through 2024....The mystical John Kongsgaard came out of the Newton winemaking factory where he was mentored by the great Michel Rolland. However, he has had his own operation for many years in the cool Coombsville hills east of the town of Napa. He also uses purchased fruit from some of Napa’s finest growers, particularly the Hudson Vineyard. His estate includes six acres on Atlas Peak and six acres in Coombsville, and he is in the process of clearing another tract for planting. Although his total acreage is small, the wines are artisanal, individualistic and filled with personality and flavor. Anyone who believes Kongsgaard wines are too alcoholic or rich is missing out on some of the world’s most pleasure-filled and complex elixirs
Ratings on Delectable
Carl Fischer 
I can't believe I'm saying this, but it needs time. It's very good now but will be outstanding in 2-3 years I'm guessing. The acid and oak need time to integrate more fully.
I can't believe I'm saying this, but it needs time. It's very good now but will be outstanding in 2-3 years I'm guessing. The acid and oak need time to integrate more fully.
9.3
David T
Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator
I should first say that I like Ca Chardonnay but, it’s not the love it once was for me. After I started down the path of drinking good Burgundy, my affection & palate shifted. I’ve had Kongsgaard Chardonnay here & there. I know this producer is well regarded and therefore pricey. However, my palate is having a bit of difficulty with this bottle tonight. When I first put nose in the glass, I get more alcohol vapors than I want on a nose. Then, a very strong rigid structure & backbone of white spice, gritty minerals & heat. Followed by lots of, butter/buttered popcorn, green apple, overripe pineapple, lemon with peel, lime zest, peach, soft caramel notes, spearmint, honeycomb, vanilla, sulphur, limestone chalkiness, dry rock & stone pebble mix with yellow flowers/lilies, spring flowers in mixed greens. The body is rich, lush, round & somewhat waxy. The structure is just too abrasive for my taste. I like beauty & elegance with no astringencies. I guess this is why I’ve learned to drink White Burgundy primarily over Ca Chardonnay. I am more & more so over high alcohol palate burning Ca Chardonnays. Green apple is the primary fruit followed by; overripe pineapple, lime zest, waxy lemons, grapefruit with pith, white peach, touch of tangerine, mango & some green melon. Lots of white spice, honeycomb, grey, gritty volcanic minerals, limestone chalkiness, mix of dry rocks & stone pebbles, sulfur, spearmint, caramel notes, vanilla, butterscotch with yellow florals/lilies, jasmine, fruit blossoms with mixed greens. The acidity is round and lively. The long, firm structured finish is rich, polished and ends in a persistent alcohol burn. Next time you open a bottle have a sip and sense what’s on your palate. Ask yourself, does it burn? In Sommelier technical thoughts, alcohol burn is considered to be a flaw in wine. From 375ml Photos of; John Kongsgaard in front of his winery, Judge Vineyard, Chardonnay grapes ready for pressing and their barrel cellar.
I should first say that I like Ca Chardonnay but, it’s not the love it once was for me. After I started down the path of drinking good Burgundy, my affection & palate shifted. I’ve had Kongsgaard Chardonnay here & there. I know this producer is well regarded and therefore pricey. However, my palate is having a bit of difficulty with this bottle tonight. When I first put nose in the glass, I get more alcohol vapors than I want on a nose. Then, a very strong rigid structure & backbone of white spice, gritty minerals & heat. Followed by lots of, butter/buttered popcorn, green apple, overripe pineapple, lemon with peel, lime zest, peach, soft caramel notes, spearmint, honeycomb, vanilla, sulphur, limestone chalkiness, dry rock & stone pebble mix with yellow flowers/lilies, spring flowers in mixed greens. The body is rich, lush, round & somewhat waxy. The structure is just too abrasive for my taste. I like beauty & elegance with no astringencies. I guess this is why I’ve learned to drink White Burgundy primarily over Ca Chardonnay. I am more & more so over high alcohol palate burning Ca Chardonnays. Green apple is the primary fruit followed by; overripe pineapple, lime zest, waxy lemons, grapefruit with pith, white peach, touch of tangerine, mango & some green melon. Lots of white spice, honeycomb, grey, gritty volcanic minerals, limestone chalkiness, mix of dry rocks & stone pebbles, sulfur, spearmint, caramel notes, vanilla, butterscotch with yellow florals/lilies, jasmine, fruit blossoms with mixed greens. The acidity is round and lively. The long, firm structured finish is rich, polished and ends in a persistent alcohol burn. Next time you open a bottle have a sip and sense what’s on your palate. Ask yourself, does it burn? In Sommelier technical thoughts, alcohol burn is considered to be a flaw in wine. From 375ml Photos of; John Kongsgaard in front of his winery, Judge Vineyard, Chardonnay grapes ready for pressing and their barrel cellar.
9.1
Connor McMahon
Such a baby. Going to be a great wine to follow
Such a baby. Going to be a great wine to follow
9.1
Eric L.
Delicious. Full-bodied, but not heavy. Very long finish. Paired beautifully with sautéed turbot and a beurre blanc sauce.
Delicious. Full-bodied, but not heavy. Very long finish. Paired beautifully with sautéed turbot and a beurre blanc sauce.
9.3
Adam Jesberger
Everything one can want from Napa Chard plus a touch of old world charm. Nice acidity and minerality but whopping loads of oak and malo.
Everything one can want from Napa Chard plus a touch of old world charm. Nice acidity and minerality but whopping loads of oak and malo.
10Connor McMahon
Always a crowd pleaser! Also a great gaming wine
Always a crowd pleaser! Also a great gaming wine
9.3Jörgen Lindström Carlvik
Owner, Brix Wine Consultants
2014 vintage. Too young to fully appreciate, of course, but this will be beautiful in 3 years time. Oak is very dominant at present, so patience is required.
2014 vintage. Too young to fully appreciate, of course, but this will be beautiful in 3 years time. Oak is very dominant at present, so patience is required.
9.3
Lee Pitofsky
Whipped cream, buttered toast, vanilla custard, exotic minerals
Whipped cream, buttered toast, vanilla custard, exotic minerals
9.4
Lee Lightfoot
Massive wine with toasted nuts and pineapple, needs time
Massive wine with toasted nuts and pineapple, needs time
9.3
Michael L S
Outstanding
Outstanding
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