Kongsgaard Napa Valley Chardonnay 2007

"Winery Notes:
Kongsgaard Chardonnay 2007 Napa Valley comes from two great Carneros vineyards - Hudson and Hyde. Like The Judge, it is fermented with its indigenous yeast and ages in French oak barrels for 22 months. When most Napa Chardonnays are bottled after 10 months of barrel age, ours is just finishing its fermentations and awakening from adolescence. In the second year of barrel aging, the wine’s more sophisticated qualities evolve. Parker described the 2007 as “beautiful,” displaying “liquid rocks, pineapples, honeysuckle, orange blossoms, and lemon oil.” Tanzer noted “the zesty finish featuring mineral and minty nuances and terrific energy.” 1000 cases produced. 94 ST
Good full yellow. Meursault-like aromas of lemon, nutmeg, minerals and butterscotch, along with a subtle leesy quality (""Frenchie"" style, says Kongsgaard). Then seriously concentrated, minerally and deep, with powerful stone fruit flavors perfectly framed by ripe acidity. This boasts terrific sweetness of fruit. ""A great year for us,"" says Kongsgaard about 2007. 94 points
By Stephen Tanzer
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, May/Jun 10
--International Wine Cellar
95 WA
The 2007 Chardonnay possesses abundant aromas of white peaches, citrus blossoms, crushed rocks (think liquid minerality), and honeyed tropical fruit presented in a full-bodied wine with good acidity, depth, and length. It should drink well for a decade.

From a top vintage for proprietor/winemaker John Kongsgaard, the 2007 Chardonnays are among the finest he has made to date. They combine great richness and bold flavor profiles with extraordinary minerality and definition. One-hundred percent whole clusters are used for the Syrahs, and Kongsgaard’s Syrahs have a very distinctive style.

by Robert Parker, Issue #186, December 2009
--The Wine Advocate"