2020 Kongsgaard Chardonnay Napa Valley

Kongsgaard and the tradition of characterful Chardonnay

Kongsgaard is one of Napa Valley's most unique and distinctive producers. The estate is known for its intense, layered, yet exceptionally refined Chardonnay style, where power never sacrifices tension. John Kongsgaard and his son Alex work with an almost Burgundian eye for detail, focusing on low yields, minimal intervention, and extended aging. Under the Winery tab, you can read more background information about the estate and the philosophy that has shaped Kongsgaard's international prestige.

The Napa Valley Chardonnay is one of the house's most consistent wines: rich, pure, expressive, and with a texture that remains both opulent and precise. The 2020 edition showcases this signature with impressive nuance.

The special character of the 2020 harvest

2020 was a challenging year for many Napa Valley producers. Heat stress, limited water resources, and a tumultuous harvest made conditions difficult. For Kongsgaard, this meant the complete loss of its own vineyard. Nevertheless, John and Alex were able to produce Chardonnay thanks to their close relationship with the MacDonald family, who own old, pruned Chardonnay vineyards in Napa Valley.

These vineyards yielded high-quality grapes, full of tension and aromatic clarity. The result is a Chardonnay with remarkable balance: rich and creamy, but never heavy, with precision and lightness that are exceptional in this warm year.

Vinification and maturation

Kongsgaard uses a very traditional approach to Chardonnay, inspired by old European methods. The grapes are pressed without prior fining, allowing fermentation to take place on the entire press juice. Fermentation occurs spontaneously in French oak barrels, some of which are new, and is slow.

The wine is given ample time to develop on the lees, which creates its characteristic creaminess and complexity. At the same time, the house deliberately avoids excessive bâtonnage, preserving tension and freshness. The combination of intensity and refinement is the result of this precise and restrained approach.

Color, aroma and taste of the 2020 Kongsgaard Chardonnay

The wine opens with aromas of peach, ripe apple, and citrus confit. This is followed by notes of mint, lemon peel, mandarin oil, and subtle floral notes. This layered aromatic profile gives the wine an immediate elegance. Light tropical nuances develop in the background, never overpowering but adding depth to the aroma.

On the palate, the wine displays a distinct creaminess, yet without any heaviness. The texture is rich and satiny, supported by a fine acidity that keeps the wine lively and precise. Stone fruit, citrus, and floral notes alternate, while a hint of almond and soft spices adds complexity. The wine remains balanced throughout, with a beautiful harmony between ripeness and freshness.

The finish is long, clean, and convincing, with notes of lemon oil, peach peel, and a subtle tropical touch. The freshness connects all the layers, making the wine feel both modern and classic. The whole reveals a refinement rare in this challenging vintage.

Storage potential

The 2020 edition is already drinking beautifully thanks to its open structure and elegant balance, but it has sufficient concentration to continue developing until at least 2030. In the bottle, notes of hazelnut, brioche, and honey will slowly unfold, while the citrus and stone fruit accents gain depth. The wine will become rounder with age without losing its refined freshness.

Would you like to order Kongsgaard wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pickup" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read full wine reviews from publications like Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator.

Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.

Wine and food pairings for the 2020 Kongsgaard Chardonnay

Grilled scallops with lemon butter
The creamy character of the wine fits seamlessly with the sweet, soft structure of the scallops.

Cod in beurre blanc with fresh herbs
The freshness of the wine and the round sauce enhance each other's subtle complexity.

Chicken Supreme with Truffle and Roasted Cauliflower
The earthy notes and full structure are perfectly supported by the rich texture of the wine.

Pasta with lemon, mascarpone and basil
The creamy and fresh elements of the dish complement the balance of the wine beautifully.

Salmon on the skin with orange and fennel
The aromatic notes of orange and fennel emphasise the citrus and floral layers of this Chardonnay.

Roasted pumpkin with miso and sesame
The savoury sweetness and refined umami notes beautifully bring out the mineral and creamy accents of the wine.