THE PRODUCER
Tucked away in the heart of Napa Valley, Kongsgaard has earned a quiet reverence
among wine lovers as one of the region’s most exceptional small-scale producers.
Established by John Kongsgaard, the winery is guided by a philosophy that values
restraint and a deep connection to the land, allowing each bottle to express the
natural character of the vineyard. With a hands-off approach to winemaking, the
estate lets the distinct voice of its terroir shine through, especially in its
highly sought-after Chardonnay. This signature wine is known for its vibrant
acidity, layered complexity, and striking minerality. Alongside it, limited
releases of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon have achieved cult status, coveted for
their depth and scarcity. Altogether, Kongsgaard’s wines stand as a testament to
the heights Napa Valley can reach when nature is given the lead.


THE WINE

Kongsgaard Chardonnay is crafted using a meticulous, low-intervention approach
that emphasises the expression of Napa Valley's terroir. The grapes, sourced
from esteemed vineyards like Hudson, Hyde, and Coombsville, are hand-harvested
and gently pressed. The juice undergoes fermentation with native yeasts in
French oak barrels, a process that can extend up to a year due to the cool
temperatures of Kongsgaard's underground cave winery. This extended fermentation
is followed by two years of barrel aging without racking or stirring, allowing
the wine to develop complexity and stability naturally. The result is a
Chardonnay that balances richness and minerality, showcasing notes of citrus,
honey, and a vibrant, saline finish.

INFORMATION
Type:WhiteVintage:2022Country:U.S.A.
Region:California
Sub region:Mount VeederGrape:100% ChardonnayStyle:Buttery and ComplexSweetness:
DryABV:14%Drinking window:2024 - 2045Size:750mlFood match:Mushrooms


CRITICS SCORES
We choose our wines based on a range of criteria(seehow we choose our wines)of
which critic scores is justone. Rather than simply highlight the best score to
promote a wine, our average critic score is calculated from the scores provided
by several respected wine critics, who we follow for specific regions. They do
not represent all critic scores and, wherever possible, we try and give more
weight to more recent reviews. Where appropriate we consider market-based scores
like Global Wine Score or Wine Searcher Average scores.

As a rule, we look to offer wines that achieve a92/100average critic score or
better and frankly a lot of very good wines simply don’t make the cut. As a
high-end provider we want to reflect that positioning in the quality of wines we
offer. Such wines are only a tiny fraction of those generally on offer in the
market. We believe that an average score is a more conservative and
representative approach, but it is still subjective and only offered as a guide
to our customers, who will (and should) do their own research. We will add
individual critic scores to our website in the future.