2021 Kongsgaard Chardonnay
| Type of Wine | |
|---|---|
| Country | |
| Region | |
| Appellation | |
| Winery | |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Grape | |
| Content (Alc) | 0.75 ltr (14%) |
| Drink window | 2025 - 2040 |
In stock
6 items available
Description
Kongsgaard Wine is a family-owned winery in Napa Valley, California. It was founded in the late 1970s by John and Maggy Kongsgaard (who sadly lost her battle with cancer in 2020). John Kongsgaard is a renowned winemaker and viticulturist known for his dedication to producing high-quality wines in small batches.
John Kongsgaard, a California native, began his winemaking career in the 1970s, gaining experience at renowned wineries, including Newton Vineyard in Napa Valley. In 1975, John and Maggy Kongsgaard purchased a property in Napa Valley's Oak Knoll District. This laid the foundation for their own winemaking venture. Kongsgaard Wine gained early recognition for its Chardonnay. John Kongsgaard employed a unique approach to Chardonnay production, emphasizing minimal intervention, fermentation in small French oak barrels, and the use of indigenous yeasts. This approach allowed the wines to express the nuances of the vineyard and varietal characteristics. Over the years, Kongsgaard Wine continued to refine its winemaking techniques and expand its portfolio. The winery gained recognition for its limited-production Chardonnay and later for its Cabernet Sauvignon. Both varietals reflected the Kongsgaards' dedication to showcasing the best of Napa Valley's terroir. John Kongsgaard is a proponent of sustainable and organic farming practices. The winery is committed to cultivating the land in a way that respects the environment and allows the vines to flourish naturally.
Kongsgaard's Chardonnay delivers everything you'd expect from a top-quality US Chardonnay. It bursts from the glass with notes of stone fruit, honey, and citrus, along with spicy ginger flavors. The palate is medium to full-bodied and intense, with refreshing acidity that cuts through the tightly wrapped stone fruit and spicy layers, leading to a long, honeyed finish. Kongsgaard's Chardonnays are often compared to the Montrachet style of Burgundy.
FYI : 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 the potential discount immediately if you choose Pickup at Checkout. We're located right next to the Rijksweg with ample parking. Click here for the address.
Specifications
| Type of Wine | White |
|---|---|
| Country | USA |
| Region | Californie |
| Appellation | Napa Valley |
| Icons | Icon USA |
| Winery | Kongsgaard |
| Grape | Chardonnay |
| Biological certified | No |
| Natural wine | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Drinking as of | 2025 |
| Drinking till | 2040 |
| Alcohol % | 14 |
| Alcohol free/low | No |
| Content | 0.75 ltr |
| Oak aging | Yes |
| Sparkling | No |
| Dessert wine | No |
| Closure | Cork |
| Parker rating | 95 |
| Vinous rating | 97 |
Professional Reviews
Parker
The Wine Advocate
RP (93-95)
Reviewed by: Lisa Perrotti-Brown
A barrel sample, the 2018 Chardonnay bursts from the glass with bold notes of warm peaches, spiced pears and applesauce with hints of candied ginger, honeycomb and lime cordial. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has electric intensity, with a refreshing line of racy acid cutting through the tightly wound stone fruit and spicy layers, finishing long and honey laced.
“There is a trade-off,” Alex Kongsgaard told me when I asked he and his father, John, about the benefits of their extended barrel age regime for the Chardonnays. “With more time in barrel, the wine gains more complexity. But if you go too far, then you overwhelm the terroir. The place becomes less transparent. For us, there’s a sweet spot. We like to have the fruit at the background. Our wine has enough inherent structure that it thrives on that. The terroir gives it the structure so that it can take more and more in terms of natural fermentation, long elevage, etc.” Robert Parker once called Kongsgaard’s technique “The Death & The Resurrection.” Clearly, it works—these classically forged Chardonnays are consistently jaw-droppingly incredible. The 2017s and 2018s couldn’t get more different in terms of styles, but The Judge vineyard’s signature clearly, impactfully, beautifully shines through. I can’t recommend these wines highly enough.
Published: Nov 27, 2019
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Wine Spectator
Kongsgaard
Chardonnay Napa Valley 2019 | $100
A stunning wine, showing both power and elegance, this has a creamy, supple texture paired with vibrant, mouthwatering acidity that turns up the intensity. Presents plump, fleshy apricot, peach cobbler and dried mango flavors complemented by notes of savory Himalayan salt and butterscotch. The long, harmonious finish features lingering accents of candied ginger peel. Drink now through 2030. 2,100 cases made.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Vinous
97
Drinking Window
2026 - 2036
From: The 2021 Napa Valley Cabernets, Part One (Dec 2023)
The 2021 Chardonnay (Napa Valley) is stellar. Wonderfully refined and airy, the 2021 impresses with its total harmony. It is especially elegant. Whether that is due to the vintage, a tendency to pick on the earlier side these days, or the combination of sites, the 2021 is magnificent, if a bit less showy than it used to be. Readers should plan on cellaring it for a few years.
- By Antonio Galloni on December 2023
John Kongsgaard presented a striking set of wines this year. The 2021 Chardonnays, in particular, are simply monumental. There is something magical about the Chardonnays this year, the way they marry the textural opulence that has long been a signature here, but with the added vibrancy Kongsgaard’s son, Alex, has brought to the table. The wines breath, like a piece of classical music being performed live. That’s not to dismiss the Reds. They are very fine, too. But it is the Chardonnays that captivated me most this year. “You hope your kids are smarter than you are,” John Kongsgaard adds at the end of this unforgettable tasting.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Exclusive Content
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Wijnhuis
Kongsgaard Wine is a family-owned business in Napa Valley, California. It was founded in the late 1970s by John and Maggy Kongsgaard. John Kongsgaard is a renowned winemaker and viticulturist known for his dedication to producing high-quality wines in small batches.
Kongsgaard Winery: A family-driven icon from California
Kongsgaard is one of the best-kept secrets of Napa Valley. This small-scale, family-run winery is known for its profound, expressive wines that stay true to classic European styles, particularly those from Burgundy and the Rhône. Founded by John Kongsgaard, former winemaker at Newton and Arietta, the estate has quickly developed into a true cult label among wine enthusiasts.
The vineyards are located in the cooler, higher-altitude areas of Napa, including the famed Atlas Peak. Here, the combination of elevation, poor soils, and sea breezes results in slow ripening and a perfect balance between power and elegance.
Burgundian precision in American soil
What sets Kongsgaard apart is its uncompromising approach in both vineyard and cellar. Yields are deliberately kept low to ensure concentration and finesse. In the cellar, full fermentation takes place in oak, including malolactic fermentation, using only native yeasts. The result? Wines with great texture, complexity, and an almost ethereal balance.
The most renowned wine of the estate is undoubtedly the Kongsgaard Chardonnay, often described as one of the most impressive white wines in America. Additionally, the Syrah and the Bordeaux-style blend The Judge are examples of the power and depth the estate can achieve, without ever losing sight of elegance.
Production of Kongsgaard wines
Production at Kongsgaard is extremely limited. Only a few thousand bottles are produced each year, which limits availability worldwide. This enhances the cult status of the estate and makes obtaining a bottle a true discovery. At Grandcruwijnen, we offer a selection of these rare gems for the true connoisseur.
Order Kongsgaard wines at Grandcruwijnen
Kongsgaard is a winery for those who seek depth, finesse, and authenticity. These wines have aging potential and are ideally suited for special occasions or refined food pairings. Think of rich fish dishes, poultry in creamy sauces, or even a tournedos Rossini.
Curious about these unique wines from Napa Valley? Order them easily online at Grandcruwijnen or pick up your order at our pickup point in Dordrecht.
Kongsgaard Wine is a family-owned winery in Napa Valley, California. It was founded in the late 1970s by John and Maggy Kongsgaard (who sadly lost her battle with cancer in 2020). John Kongsgaard is a renowned winemaker and viticulturist known for his dedication to producing high-quality wines in small batches.
John Kongsgaard, a California native, began his winemaking career in the 1970s, gaining experience at renowned wineries, including Newton Vineyard in Napa Valley. In 1975, John and Maggy Kongsgaard purchased a property in Napa Valley's Oak Knoll District. This laid the foundation for their own winemaking venture. Kongsgaard Wine gained early recognition for its Chardonnay. John Kongsgaard employed a unique approach to Chardonnay production, emphasizing minimal intervention, fermentation in small French oak barrels, and the use of indigenous yeasts. This approach allowed the wines to express the nuances of the vineyard and varietal characteristics. Over the years, Kongsgaard Wine continued to refine its winemaking techniques and expand its portfolio. The winery gained recognition for its limited-production Chardonnay and later for its Cabernet Sauvignon. Both varietals reflected the Kongsgaards' dedication to showcasing the best of Napa Valley's terroir. John Kongsgaard is a proponent of sustainable and organic farming practices. The winery is committed to cultivating the land in a way that respects the environment and allows the vines to flourish naturally.
Kongsgaard's Chardonnay delivers everything you'd expect from a top-quality US Chardonnay. It bursts from the glass with notes of stone fruit, honey, and citrus, along with spicy ginger flavors. The palate is medium to full-bodied and intense, with refreshing acidity that cuts through the tightly wrapped stone fruit and spicy layers, leading to a long, honeyed finish. Kongsgaard's Chardonnays are often compared to the Montrachet style of Burgundy.
FYI : 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 the potential discount immediately if you choose Pickup at Checkout. We're located right next to the Rijksweg with ample parking. Click here for the address.
| Type of Wine | White |
|---|---|
| Country | USA |
| Region | Californie |
| Appellation | Napa Valley |
| Icons | Icon USA |
| Winery | Kongsgaard |
| Grape | Chardonnay |
| Biological certified | No |
| Natural wine | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Drinking as of | 2025 |
| Drinking till | 2040 |
| Alcohol % | 14 |
| Alcohol free/low | No |
| Content | 0.75 ltr |
| Oak aging | Yes |
| Sparkling | No |
| Dessert wine | No |
| Closure | Cork |
| Parker rating | 95 |
| Vinous rating | 97 |
Parker
The Wine Advocate
RP (93-95)
Reviewed by: Lisa Perrotti-Brown
A barrel sample, the 2018 Chardonnay bursts from the glass with bold notes of warm peaches, spiced pears and applesauce with hints of candied ginger, honeycomb and lime cordial. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has electric intensity, with a refreshing line of racy acid cutting through the tightly wound stone fruit and spicy layers, finishing long and honey laced.
“There is a trade-off,” Alex Kongsgaard told me when I asked he and his father, John, about the benefits of their extended barrel age regime for the Chardonnays. “With more time in barrel, the wine gains more complexity. But if you go too far, then you overwhelm the terroir. The place becomes less transparent. For us, there’s a sweet spot. We like to have the fruit at the background. Our wine has enough inherent structure that it thrives on that. The terroir gives it the structure so that it can take more and more in terms of natural fermentation, long elevage, etc.” Robert Parker once called Kongsgaard’s technique “The Death & The Resurrection.” Clearly, it works—these classically forged Chardonnays are consistently jaw-droppingly incredible. The 2017s and 2018s couldn’t get more different in terms of styles, but The Judge vineyard’s signature clearly, impactfully, beautifully shines through. I can’t recommend these wines highly enough.
Published: Nov 27, 2019
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Wine Spectator
Kongsgaard
Chardonnay Napa Valley 2019 | $100
A stunning wine, showing both power and elegance, this has a creamy, supple texture paired with vibrant, mouthwatering acidity that turns up the intensity. Presents plump, fleshy apricot, peach cobbler and dried mango flavors complemented by notes of savory Himalayan salt and butterscotch. The long, harmonious finish features lingering accents of candied ginger peel. Drink now through 2030. 2,100 cases made.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Vinous
97
Drinking Window
2026 - 2036
From: The 2021 Napa Valley Cabernets, Part One (Dec 2023)
The 2021 Chardonnay (Napa Valley) is stellar. Wonderfully refined and airy, the 2021 impresses with its total harmony. It is especially elegant. Whether that is due to the vintage, a tendency to pick on the earlier side these days, or the combination of sites, the 2021 is magnificent, if a bit less showy than it used to be. Readers should plan on cellaring it for a few years.
- By Antonio Galloni on December 2023
John Kongsgaard presented a striking set of wines this year. The 2021 Chardonnays, in particular, are simply monumental. There is something magical about the Chardonnays this year, the way they marry the textural opulence that has long been a signature here, but with the added vibrancy Kongsgaard’s son, Alex, has brought to the table. The wines breath, like a piece of classical music being performed live. That’s not to dismiss the Reds. They are very fine, too. But it is the Chardonnays that captivated me most this year. “You hope your kids are smarter than you are,” John Kongsgaard adds at the end of this unforgettable tasting.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Exclusive Content
Sign in to unlock professional wine reviews from world-renowned critics
Kongsgaard Wine is a family-owned business in Napa Valley, California. It was founded in the late 1970s by John and Maggy Kongsgaard. John Kongsgaard is a renowned winemaker and viticulturist known for his dedication to producing high-quality wines in small batches.
Kongsgaard Winery: A family-driven icon from California
Kongsgaard is one of the best-kept secrets of Napa Valley. This small-scale, family-run winery is known for its profound, expressive wines that stay true to classic European styles, particularly those from Burgundy and the Rhône. Founded by John Kongsgaard, former winemaker at Newton and Arietta, the estate has quickly developed into a true cult label among wine enthusiasts.
The vineyards are located in the cooler, higher-altitude areas of Napa, including the famed Atlas Peak. Here, the combination of elevation, poor soils, and sea breezes results in slow ripening and a perfect balance between power and elegance.
Burgundian precision in American soil
What sets Kongsgaard apart is its uncompromising approach in both vineyard and cellar. Yields are deliberately kept low to ensure concentration and finesse. In the cellar, full fermentation takes place in oak, including malolactic fermentation, using only native yeasts. The result? Wines with great texture, complexity, and an almost ethereal balance.
The most renowned wine of the estate is undoubtedly the Kongsgaard Chardonnay, often described as one of the most impressive white wines in America. Additionally, the Syrah and the Bordeaux-style blend The Judge are examples of the power and depth the estate can achieve, without ever losing sight of elegance.
Production of Kongsgaard wines
Production at Kongsgaard is extremely limited. Only a few thousand bottles are produced each year, which limits availability worldwide. This enhances the cult status of the estate and makes obtaining a bottle a true discovery. At Grandcruwijnen, we offer a selection of these rare gems for the true connoisseur.
Order Kongsgaard wines at Grandcruwijnen
Kongsgaard is a winery for those who seek depth, finesse, and authenticity. These wines have aging potential and are ideally suited for special occasions or refined food pairings. Think of rich fish dishes, poultry in creamy sauces, or even a tournedos Rossini.
Curious about these unique wines from Napa Valley? Order them easily online at Grandcruwijnen or pick up your order at our pickup point in Dordrecht.
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