The Judge 2019 in magnum: Kongsgaard's single-vineyard Chardonnay in the large format, which slows its ageing. The 2019 drew 98 points from Vinous and 97 from Wine Spectator.
About This Wine
Wine Spectator reported just 300 cases of the 2019 Judge. Antonio Galloni rated it 98, finding lemon confit, white flowers and almond emerging slowly, and a mix of textural richness and energy that he expected to reward patience; his window runs from 2024 to 2039. Wine Spectator, at 97, described lemon curd, dried pineapple and Fuji apple with grey sea salt, toasted sesame, orange blossom, honey and tarragon. The wine is fermented with native yeasts and bottled without filtration, and it carries 14.1% alcohol.
Tasting Profile
- Nose: Lemon confit, white flowers and almond, with dried pineapple and orange blossom.
- Palate: Dense and layered, with lemon curd and Fuji apple, sea-salt minerality and plenty of energy.
- Finish: Expressive and long, with honey, spice and a savoury, herbal close.
Serving & Food
Chill the magnum in an ice bucket to about 12°C, then pour into generous Burgundy stems. Decant for up to an hour to let it open. In magnum it will last well into the 2030s. Serve with a whole roast chicken with truffle, crab risotto or a platter of langoustines.
How to Enjoy
A magnum of top California Chardonnay to share at a larger dinner or keep for years.
Product Details
Producer: Kongsgaard
Country: USA
Region: Napa Valley, California
Cuvée: The Judge
Vintage: 2019
Grape Variety: Chardonnay
ABV: 14.1%
Volume: 1.5L magnum
About the Winery
The Judge vineyard covers about six acres and grows on the remains of an old lava flow, with white volcanic tufa in the soil. Some vines date back to the original 1970s planting.
The old vines have fought with the rock for fifty years and now give barely one ton per acre, a crop of small golden clusters. The winery likes to say you taste the rocks before the fruit, and it believes a great site like this one changes little from vintage to vintage.