96+ Points - Rare One of California's most sought-after Chardonnays! Extremely limited Kongsgaard's 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. 95 Points Robert Parker: "A barrel sample, the Kongsgaard Chardonnay bursts from the glass with bold notes of warm peaches, spiced pears and applesauce with hints of candied ginger, honeycomb and lime cordial. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has electric intensity, with a refreshing line of racy acid cutting through the tightly wound stone fruit and spicy layers, finishing long and honey laced. 95 Points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2019 Chardonnay (Napa Valley) is superb. Powerful and resonant in the glass, with notable depth as well as structure, the 2019 is mesmerizing. Lemon peel, white pepper, chalk and mint lend brightness throughout. There is more than enough backbone to allow the 2019 to age gracefully for years to come. What a wine!"
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The 2021 Chardonnay (Napa Valley) is stellar. Wonderfully refined and airy, the 2021 impresses with its total harmony. It is especially elegant. Whether that is due to the vintage, a tendency to pick on the earlier side these days, or the combination of sites, the 2021 is magnificent, if a bit less showy than it used to be. Readers should plan on cellaring it for a few years. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, December 2023)
The 2021 Chardonnay (Napa Valley) is stellar. Wonderfully refined and airy, the 2021 impresses with its total harmony. It is especially elegant. Whether that is due to the vintage, a tendency to pick on the earlier side these days, or the combination of sites, the 2021 is magnificent, if a bit less showy than it used to be. Readers should plan on cellaring it for a few years. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, December 2023)
9.7Eric Urbani
Very good for this style of wine but the Judge is where it’s at. But priced accordingly lol.
Very good for this style of wine but the Judge is where it’s at. But priced accordingly lol.
9.0Brian Reedy
Just sublime
Just sublime
9.6Andrew Cullimore
Medium lemon straw centre . Quite aromatic on the nose , lemon curd , peach , touch of pineapple and toasty oak. On the palate rich and big boned , lots of toasty lemon peal , apricot and creamy peach notes , decent acidity and just balanced alcohol , quite a mouthful however . Ok length with the toasty , buttery elements and ripe yellow fruits dominating . I would be tempted to drink this over the next 5-8 years as I don’t think it has the acidic backbone to take it long haul.
Medium lemon straw centre . Quite aromatic on the nose , lemon curd , peach , touch of pineapple and toasty oak. On the palate rich and big boned , lots of toasty lemon peal , apricot and creamy peach notes , decent acidity and just balanced alcohol , quite a mouthful however . Ok length with the toasty , buttery elements and ripe yellow fruits dominating . I would be tempted to drink this over the next 5-8 years as I don’t think it has the acidic backbone to take it long haul.
9.0WARNING: DRINKING DISTILLED SPIRITS, BEER, COOLERS, WINE AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY INCREASE CANCER RISK, AND, DURING PREGNANCY, CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS.