2004 Kongsgaard Chardonnay
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Tasting notes
Fairly pale color. Distinctly more exotic and gamey aromas than the very young 2005, offering butterscotch, truffle, earth, baking spices and smoky oak. Then suave, sweet and wonderfully full, with more obvious ripeness and thickness of texture than the '05. This is stuffed with material and finishes very long, broad and sweet. "The 2004 is to drink while the 2005 is to save," comments Kongsgaard.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2004 Chardonnay shows that wonderful liquified rockiness, as if someone took a couple of boulders, threw them in a Cuisinart, and was able to extract some liquid, interwoven with tangerine oil, nectarine, quince, pear, and popcorn and honey. Quite layered, full-bodied, but with terrific acidity and vibrancy, this is a sensational Chardonnay that is set for 8-10 years of life. Previously recommended: 2003 Chardonnay (94); 2003 Chardonnay The Judge (99); 2003 Syrah Hudson Vineyard (94+); Fax (707) 963-4512
Full yellow. Crystallized lemon peel, smoke, truffle, fresh herbs and strong soil tones on the nose. Then superconcentrated and distinctly wild in the mouth, with flavors of roasted almond, bacon fat and caraway seed. "Not a pineapple to be found," says Kongsgaard, who has little interest in what he has called "fermentation fruits." Here the alcoholic fermentations linger for months, typically finishing well after the malos, and of course the wines remain on their lees in barrel for nearly 20 months. Finishes very dry and very long. Made from a blend of sites, including "mom's place in Napa" and the Hudson and Hyde vineyards.