Kongsgaard

The Judge Napa Valley Chardonnay

9.343 ratings
9.214 pro ratings
Napa Valley, California, USA
Chardonnay
Duck, Shellfish, Goose, Mushrooms, Manchego & Parmesan, Game, Pork, Squash & Root Vegetables, Chicken, Turkey, Cheddar & Gruyere, Meaty & Oily Fish, White Fish, Shellfish, Crab & Lobster, Cream Sauces
Top Notes For
Bill Bender

The verdict is in on the Judge and it’s awesome

The verdict is in on the Judge and it’s awesome

Nov 15th, 2017
Bill Bender

Served with too much chill and not enough time and air. A little dull with some yeasty qualities. Still has legitimate weight and complexity but lacking some extra oomph tonight.

Served with too much chill and not enough time and air. A little dull with some yeasty qualities. Still has legitimate weight and complexity but lacking some extra oomph tonight.

Jan 25th, 2016
Marty Winters

Who ever put this at Below 9.0 is lying to themselves

Who ever put this at Below 9.0 is lying to themselves

Oct 18th, 2015
Adam Jesberger

I must say, this was great, but hard to understand. A touch hot on the nose. Smelled still, you get the oak and butterscotch with some toasty marshmallow. Upon swirling the glass and smelling it, the wine transforms almost immediately into an old world burgundy with some new world oakiness. Had this with a spectacular dinner involving cold shellfish and huge lobster tails. Heavenly when paired, but on its own, confused the hell out of me. I wish it had less alcohol and a touch more(cant believe im saying this) round buttery character. This was almost too linear somehow and austere. Fun wine for sure.

I must say, this was great, but hard to understand. A touch hot on the nose. Smelled still, you get the oak and butterscotch with some toasty marshmallow. Upon swirling the glass and smelling it, the wine transforms almost immediately into an old world burgundy with some new world oakiness. Had this with a spectacular dinner involving cold shellfish and huge lobster tails. Heavenly when paired, but on its own, confused the hell out of me. I wish it had less alcohol and a touch more(cant believe im saying this) round buttery character. This was almost too linear somehow and austere. Fun wine for sure.

Sep 24th, 2015
Morgan Harris

Head Sommelier Aureole New York

9.3

The Grand Cru Burgundy-California Ambition continuum brought full force. A little more acid, a little less alcohol, and this would be a dead ringer for Montrachet. Incredible richness, but it falls a little short on the levity to really hit the contrast levels achieved by highly pedigreed white burg.

The Grand Cru Burgundy-California Ambition continuum brought full force. A little more acid, a little less alcohol, and this would be a dead ringer for Montrachet. Incredible richness, but it falls a little short on the levity to really hit the contrast levels achieved by highly pedigreed white burg.

Dec 18th, 2014
Cyrus Hazzard

Concierge Wine Sales Total Wine & More

8.8

Clean and fairly vibrant when compared to the aubert.

Clean and fairly vibrant when compared to the aubert.

Nov 1st, 2014
Bill Bender

Brought this to the Bridges tonight with an '01 Bond Melbury. Both bottles were phenomenal. Best Judge I've had since the '05. Over the top structure, laser focused minerality, slate, brioche, lemon/spice cake. Wowza.

Brought this to the Bridges tonight with an '01 Bond Melbury. Both bottles were phenomenal. Best Judge I've had since the '05. Over the top structure, laser focused minerality, slate, brioche, lemon/spice cake. Wowza.

Oct 13th, 2014
Yoon Ha

Master Sommelier/Wine Director Benu

8.4

Big Napa luxury!

Big Napa luxury!

Jan 12th, 2014
Abe Schoener

Owner/Winemaker Scholium Project

9.3

Scholium project 2012 intern harvest party, wine 9. Another superb Chardonnay!

Scholium project 2012 intern harvest party, wine 9. Another superb Chardonnay!

Dec 16th, 2012
Leo Hernández Téllez

Oxidized. Bruised 🍐.

Oxidized. Bruised 🍐.

Jan 17th, 2019