2022 Kongsgaard 'The Judge' Chardonnay

John & Maggy Kongsgaard are considered royalty in wine aficionado circles, and their family operation has made a remarkable contribution to the wine world. They both grew up in Napa Valley, John's father being a Superior Court Judge with a penchant for great wine. While home on college break, it was an errand to pick up his father's prized possession of Stony Hill Chardonnay that changed the course of John's future. There, John saw what life could be like, surrounded by grapes and producing what others deem a precious commodity. He was mentored by the legendary Andre Tchelistcheff and Nathan Fay, held winemaking positions at Newton and Luna, a partnership in Arietta, and it was  the planting of vines on their property that led to the historical greatness that is Kongsgaard wine. John appeared in The Robb Report's Best of the Best. Eric Asimov from the New York Times remarked, "Kongsgaard consistently makes the best Chardonnay in California today." Critics routinely comment that their Chardonnays are reminiscent of certain vintages of DRC, closely compared to a Montrachet, Corton Charlemagne, or Meursault. Today, along with their son Alex - the second half of the two-person winemaking team - they are iconic in crafting gems that invoke the senses, going far beyond the typical wine-tasting experience. This rare game-changing wine will forever alter the way you think about Napa Chardonnay and its place in the pecking order.

97 Points Vinous - "The 2022 Chardonnay The Judge is silky, creamy and beautifully resonant in the glass. Supple contours wrap it all together in style. Lemon peel, white flowers, graphite, mint and white pepper confer notable freshness. All the elements are so well balanced in this striking, harmonious Chardonnay."