2000 Kongsgaard Chardonnay
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Tasting notes
The 2000 Chardonnay is evolving quickly for an offering from this estate. While a top vintage can easily hold up to a decade of cellaring, the 2000 is best consumed over the next two years. Full-bodied, with a striking minerality in addition to a concoction of orange citrus oil flavors, this medium to full-bodied Chardonnay possesses crisp acidity, a hint of roasted nuts, and a long finish. I tasted through a half dozen bottles I purchased, and each appeared to be slightly more evolved than the previous, a complete contrast to how the 1997 and 1999 have matured. Drink it over the next 1-2 years. The mystical John Kongsgaard is one heck of a winemaker. These are low tech, artisinal offerings that eschew commercial yeasts, bacterial strains, and enzymes. Of course, they are bottled naturally, with no fining or filtration. What one gets is the essence of the varietal, vintage, and vineyard. As readers know, these wines are sold via a mailing list. Fax (707) 963-4512
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Very, very rich and full and round, then sweet. Very exotic and devil-may-care. Lots going on here. One of the few Chardonnays to show any convincing signs of potential development. (JR)
(bottled in August of 2002) Attractive pale yellow color. Sappy, pure, highly aromatic fruit aromas of orange peel, peach and lemon cream, complicated by notes of mirabelle and minerals; not particularly oaky despite the fact that it was aged in all new barrels. Very ripe and rich but juicy, with sharply delineated flavors of citrus fruits, orange peel, honey, spices and flowers. Showing wonderfully primary flavors and great spicy persistence. While numerous 2000 chardonnays will never be better than they are today, this wine is still youthfully undeveloped and should go through a graceful evolution in bottle over the next four to six years. Finishes with excellent grip.