Kongsgaard 2009 Chardonnay Napa Valley White Wine

Kongsgaard

Grown in the two great Carneros vineyards of Hudson and Hyde vineyards that we have used since our first vintage 15 years ago. The Hyde provides the high notes in the aroma, the musque, as the French colleagues say, and an exciting steeliness for the extra-long finish. The Hudson contributes the stonefruit qualities to the aroma and adds to the plush texture - it gives the velvet its knap. Steven Tanzer nailed it, describing the “energetic aromas of apricot, wild mint, sexy minerality and lime zest.” Robert Parker noted the “classic aromas of white peaches, honeyed apricots and tropical fruit nuance, and expansive, medium to full-bodied palate and a fresh, lively mouth feel and length.” We were honored this year by Eric Asimov of the New York Times, who declared, “Kongsgaard consistently makes the best Chardonnay in California today.“ $75/bottle, 1100 cases produced.
Wine Advocate
The 2009 Chardonnay Napa exhibits classic aromas of white peaches, honeyed apricots and tropical fruit nuances, an expansive, medium to full-bodied palate and a fresh, lively mouthfeel and length. This beauty should age nicely for 5-7 years. 92-95.

Type	White
Varietal	Chardonnay
Vintage	2009
Bottle size	750mL
Alcohol content	14.1%
Appellation	California – Napa Valley
Wine Advocate	95
Wine Enthusiast	--
Wine Spectator	--
Other	n/a

The Story
Fifth-generation Napa natives John and Maggy Kongsgaard produce The Judge, Chardonnay, VioRous, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Shy-bearing vineyards and traditional low-intervention winemaking techniques produce powerful, graceful wines — high intensity expressions of vineyard and variety. The core of their endeavor is the ten-acre vineyard they planted in the late 1970s on a rocky hilltop in southern Napa Valley which has belonged to the Kongsgaard family since the 1920s. In addition to these family acres, they direct the farming under long-term contract on another seven acres in the Napa Carneros and three acres near St. Helena. The winery, on the eastern rim of Napa Valley, is a cave drilled into the volcanic rock.