2012 The Judge Chardonnay
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Honey, apricot jam, cinnamon, tangerine peel and rich, tropical-infused notes meld together in the 2012 Chardonnay The Judge. Rich, oily and voluptuous on the palate, the 2012 boasts marvelous depth and pure texture. Think of the Judge as more of an elixir than a wine. The 2012 is superb.
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Robert Parker
Robert Parker
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Also amazing, the 2012 Chardonnay The Judge offers impressive aromas of tangerines, orange marmalade, wet rocks, quince, spring flowers and honeysuckle. Impressively full-bodied and majestic with terrific acidity, it is a tour de force in Chardonnay. Furthermore, it is about as “natural” as possible. Thankfully, Kongsgaard is not one to deal in the quintessential B.S. that now seems so prevalent. Drink now through 2025.
(just racked but not yet sulfured): Much more smoky, nutty and saline on the nose than the basic Napa Valley version, with stone fruits in the background; seems a bit stunted by the racking. Hugely concentrated and thick, but with no shortage of life or structure. Dominated today by notes of cinnamon, nutmeg and caraway seed (Kongsgaard described it as a sugar cookie). This compellingly rich, savory chardonnay should turn out to be an outstanding expression of its rocky, mineral-rich slope.
A drop-dead gorgeous beauty, the 2012 Chardonnay The Judge is stunning. Still tightly coiled and reserved, the 2012 impresses for its pure depth, density and power. The flavors are remarkably primary and intense, yet there is a level of pure finesse that is impossible to miss. Rich and layered, yet also incredibly understated, the 2010 is hugely promising.