2009 Kongsgaard "The Judge" Napa Valley Chardonnay
96ST
95VN
95WS
$579.99
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96
Int'l Wine Cellar
Reviewed May 2012Medium yellow. Nose begins a bit tropical and closed-in but aeration brings great lift from orange rind, lime and iodiney sea breeze. Billowing and weightless on entry, then builds inexorably in the middle palate, showing subtle salty and leesy nuances and powerful crushed-stone minerality. Kongsgaard bottles his Chardonnays during the second June or July, when they're beyond the primary, tutti-frutti stage. This extremely backward wine finishes with outstanding grip, piquant citrus lift and great persistence. California Chardonnay doesn't get any better than this--and very little Burgundy can equal it either. (ST) 96+
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Professional Reviews
95
Vinous
Honey, hazelnut, dried apricots, wild flowers and orange peel meld together in the glass in the 2009 Chardonnay The Judge, a wine that is just beginning to show the first signs of development. The 2009 is rich, exotic and oily on the palate, with fabulous depth and great overall balance. This is a wonderfully complete wine, a bit on the big side, but still impeccable in its balance. (AG)
95
Wine Spectator
Shows complex aromatics of ripe pear and apple, with subtle hazelnut and anise notes that are intense yet elegant and detailed, finishing with pure, ripe green-skinned fruits and honeydew melon. (JL)
Details
| Type | White Wine |
|---|---|
| Varietal | Chardonnay |
| Origin | Napa Valley, California, United States |
| Bottle Size | 750 mL |
| SKU | 1078731 |