- Home/
Kongsgaard Napa Valley Chardonnay 2017
96+ Points - Rare One of California's most sought-after Chardonnays! Extremely limited Kongsgaard's 2017 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. 96+ Points Robert Parker: "Coming from the Hudson and Hyde vineyards, the barrel sample of 2017 Chardonnay opens with notes of lemon drops, lime cordial and fresh grapefruit with hints of fresh ginger, toasted almonds, honeysuckle and mandarin peel. Full-bodied and super tight-knit with amazing freshness and layers of densely packed citrus flavors, the finish is epically long and a zesty. Wow.... ...John Kongsgaard had finished harvest prior to the fires in 2017. While the Atlas Peak fire came dangerously close, the winery was spared and the vineyards received just minimal damage."
Ratings on Delectable
Brian S 
Candied orange/mandarin, hazelnut l, brûlée'd green apple/pear, charred marshmallow.
Candied orange/mandarin, hazelnut l, brûlée'd green apple/pear, charred marshmallow.
9.4
Shay A
This is definitely the most tropical expression of Kongsgaard’s Chardonnay I’ve ever had. Without getting in to all the nuances of vintages, I thought the 2016 had more lemon cream and the 2015 had a more bright profile. Lots of opulence here at an early stage. Light golden hue in the decanter and so much tropical influence. The aromatics are really pretty...caramelized pineapple, marzipan (something I associate with Aubert), only a hint of lemon cream (something I ALWAYS get with Aubert), and powdered lemon bar. The complexity of Kongsgaard’s palate is always so intriguing to me...the depth and richness (14.1ABV) while still being able to flex a nervy and vibrant wine is hard to come across elsewhere. This is a full throttle chard up front before it turns quite elegant. The palate is loaded with lemon...grilled lemon, lemon cream, lemon scone, but has an orange marmalade and stony vibe down the middle. Obviously young, it’a delicious now with an hour or so in the decanter.
This is definitely the most tropical expression of Kongsgaard’s Chardonnay I’ve ever had. Without getting in to all the nuances of vintages, I thought the 2016 had more lemon cream and the 2015 had a more bright profile. Lots of opulence here at an early stage. Light golden hue in the decanter and so much tropical influence. The aromatics are really pretty...caramelized pineapple, marzipan (something I associate with Aubert), only a hint of lemon cream (something I ALWAYS get with Aubert), and powdered lemon bar. The complexity of Kongsgaard’s palate is always so intriguing to me...the depth and richness (14.1ABV) while still being able to flex a nervy and vibrant wine is hard to come across elsewhere. This is a full throttle chard up front before it turns quite elegant. The palate is loaded with lemon...grilled lemon, lemon cream, lemon scone, but has an orange marmalade and stony vibe down the middle. Obviously young, it’a delicious now with an hour or so in the decanter.
9.4
Lee Pitofsky
Rich and full body showing strong intensity and power. Pineapple core, exotic citrus fruits and hints of orange skin and marzipan. Length is exceptional as is its depth. Decant.
Rich and full body showing strong intensity and power. Pineapple core, exotic citrus fruits and hints of orange skin and marzipan. Length is exceptional as is its depth. Decant.
9.4
Jay Eagan
Such a good Chardonnay - lemon curd and honeysuckle tones with a hint of oak.
Such a good Chardonnay - lemon curd and honeysuckle tones with a hint of oak.
9.4
David T
Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator
Lots of sour lemons, lime candy, overripe pineapple, apricots, green & golden apple-more green, beeswax, honeysuckle, butterscotch, thick & a little gluey, white spice with heat, solid structure/backbone, buttered popcorn, cream, lots of chalkiness, volcanic minerals, oak char, limestone with fruit blossoms, jasmine & yellow lilies. The acidity is round & nicely executed. The long round, well balanced, polished finish is delicious and persists for minutes. Over chilled it, decanted it 40 minutes. These will benefit from 5-7 years in bottle. Curious about the 17 vintage. Have additional bottles for later. Thanksgiving part II.
Lots of sour lemons, lime candy, overripe pineapple, apricots, green & golden apple-more green, beeswax, honeysuckle, butterscotch, thick & a little gluey, white spice with heat, solid structure/backbone, buttered popcorn, cream, lots of chalkiness, volcanic minerals, oak char, limestone with fruit blossoms, jasmine & yellow lilies. The acidity is round & nicely executed. The long round, well balanced, polished finish is delicious and persists for minutes. Over chilled it, decanted it 40 minutes. These will benefit from 5-7 years in bottle. Curious about the 17 vintage. Have additional bottles for later. Thanksgiving part II.
9.4
Justin Bothur
Classic fresh golden apple, apricot, pineapple cake, a bit of thyme. Full bodied with incredibly long finish. Oak spice and integrated if a bit heavy.
Classic fresh golden apple, apricot, pineapple cake, a bit of thyme. Full bodied with incredibly long finish. Oak spice and integrated if a bit heavy.
8.8
Michael Sinowitz
Quite good. Rich, complex but balanced by its acidity.
Quite good. Rich, complex but balanced by its acidity.
Erik Sjolund
Very innarestin. Super acidic n a little barrel. Complex w apple n a little citrus. Miggt need a few years, no?
Very innarestin. Super acidic n a little barrel. Complex w apple n a little citrus. Miggt need a few years, no?
9.0
See all reviews and ratings on Delectable WARNING: DRINKING DISTILLED SPIRITS, BEER, COOLERS, WINE AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY INCREASE CANCER RISK, AND, DURING PREGNANCY, CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS.