Kongsgaard, Chardonnay, Napa Valley, California, 2023 (Limited)

Overview of the Wine
After 20 years of winemaking in the Napa Valley, John Kongsgaard launched his own brand of Chardonnay with the 1996 vintage. As former winemaker for Newton Vineyards, John had already become well known for creating California's first unfiltered Chardonnay.  

The core of their endeavor is the ten acre vineyard planted on a rocky hilltop in southeast Napa Valley which has belonged to the Kongsgaard family since the 1920's. For 50 years the volcanic slopes sustained a small herd of skinny cattle and provided the idyllic romping grounds for two generations of lucky kids including John.  

Sustainable.

Winemaker
John Kongsgaard

Grape / Blend
Chardonnay 

Origin
Napa Valley, California

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Since the 1996 inaugural vintage, the Chardonnay has been primarily sourced from the Carneros growers Lee Hudson and Larry Hyde. Beginning in 2020 we have been privileged to include fruit from the spectacular Coombsville vineyard planted by Warren Winiarski.  In line with the previous bottlings, the wine is defined tension of mineral energy and opulence, honoring its Burgundian antecedents.

97 Points - Wine Independent (2021 Vintage)
The 2021 Chardonnay comes bounding out with eager-to-please notes of fresh grapefruit, Golden Delicious apples, and juicy pineapple plus suggestions of nutmeg, yuzu zest, and Marcona almonds with a hint of struck flint. The medium to full-bodied palate is super intense, with a crisp line of freshness cutting through the tightly wound citrus and tropical fruit flavors, finishing long and sparkly. This is sourced mainly from Hudson, with some fruit from Hyde and Winiarski's vineyard in Coombsville.

Product size: 750ml