2019 Kongsgaard Chardonnay - USA, California, Napa Valley (1/26/2024)
Though I'd celebrate a little after the winter release and this seemed to fit the bill (although I had planned on saving it a bit longer).
On the nose, initially the tropics, but after a very short decant, more of a honeysuckle, fall garden feel where the bumble bees stagger-fly around fat and happy between flowers. First sip is like drinking something viscous - like a golden elixir of honey and flower-infused oil. You almost have to bite it off, it's as thick as a Frank Frazetta-vixen. Hints of honey, dulce de leche, wax, bitter almonds and oak. A lot of oak. A style that's very removed from the style I normally enjoy in Chardonnay, but you know what? It just works brilliantly in that opulent lane, simply because it's so perfectly balanced and made. It makes no excuses for its big personality and it knows it has all the eyes on it as it enters the room. A great indulgence and a great wine. I'm so happy this style exists - and dare I say it? - a uniquely American style. (94 points)
Nice! I had a 2005 out of 375ml a few months back that was excellent! These wines age VERY well.
This was prime time, even youthful! Still some reduction along with citrus, butterscotch, and plenty loads of acidity. And get this…it was from a 375ml!! Well stored bottles have TONS of time left.
When I tasted it for the first time last year (forget the vintage, but probably the current release), I was shocked how savory and seemingly reductive tasting it was. It’s powerful, but not a typical CA Chard in my opinion.
If you havent already, you need to listen to the John Kongsgaard episode of I’ll Drink to That Wine Talk. It’s facinating and my favorite episode.
I agree with the IDTT episode, tremendous listening . Had the 2016 regular and Judge version 2 nights ago and the both drank very well. He is an example of a producer who vinifies and judges the oak treatment just perfectly. This is one of the very few Cali chardonnay wines I can tolerate despite the rich oak signature. It always seems that even slightly more oak would be too much. I would not trust aging them however as once the fruit settles down you lose (for me anyway) the layers of complexity that make the young ones so impressive. The cabs are solid, but his white wines are phenomenal. Market must agree as on WS the floor for the Judge is about $600.
2019 Kongsgaard Chardonnay - USA, California, Napa Valley (9/20/2025) Blind cabernet and a couple chardonnay (Amy and Scotts house): While this remains big and oaky, I am surprised at how well integrated it has become compared to 2 years ago. It hardly seems like the same wine, and a significant improvement. Well rounded, some sulfur, more acid than 2 years ago, full-bodied with lift. Balance-wise this held up to a 2023 Morgen Long Koosah chardonnay, did not seem heavy at all. (94 points)
Thanks for the notes - I just made the splurge and bought some '23 - never had his wines before but my hope is they are more reminiscent of a good Chassagne Montrachet than anything else!
