Kongsgaard, Albariño, Napa Valley, California, 2021
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. Since then, he and his wife Maggy have added Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah and a Viognier-Roussanne blend to their portfolio of wines.
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. In the 70's John and Maggy planted eight acres to Chardonnay, adding an acre of Roussanne and Viognier in 1995 and the final acre of Cabernet Sauvignon in 2001 (which had its first crop in 2004).
Sustainable.
Grape / Blend
Albariño
Origin
Napa Valley, California
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The varietal indicators are all here in the wine with minerally citrus notes, salty acidity, apple, and crushed rocks. The mid palate has the California plushness from spending time in old Chardonnay barrels, but the zippy character still shines through.
Product size: 750ml
