John Kongsgaard launched his own Chardonnay in 1996, after 20 years working with some of the biggest names in Napa. Already famous for creating the first major unfiltered Chardonnay during his time at Newton, John brought his expertise and low-intervention style to the next level in his eponymous passion project. The wine is nothing short of incredible, truly elevating everything there is to love about Napa Chardonnay to the maximum, while leaving behind all the stereotypes that turn modern drinkers away.  

He and his wife, Maggy, maintain 10 acres of Kongsgaard family vineyard dating back to the 1920's, planted on rocky volcanic soil in southeast Napa Valley. This plot produces very powerful fruit, with extremely low yields of one to two tons per acre, due to the excellent drainage and poor soil. John's relationship with other famous Napa vintners, like Hudson and Hyde, also gives him access to 7 acres in Carneros where he and Maggy have the freedom to direct the farming themselves. The fruit from these two sites combines to create a balance of concentration and refreshing acidity that is key to producing the incredible Kongsgaard Chardonnay.

In the cellar the fermentations are long and slow, with little to no intervention or SO2 additions, adhering as closely as possible to pre-electricity 19th Century traditional European practices. Wines are always bottled without fining or filtration in order to maintain the essence of their unique vineyard sites. The wine positively brims with energy and life, transcending the simple oaky vanilla profile you may expect, instead offering creamy citrus and dense but lively tropical fruit. If notes of orange creme brulee and pineapple upside cake sound boisterous, you will be amazed by the restraint and integration of all the flavors and qualities of this wondrous wine. It can absolutely be enjoyed now, but the wines are known to be incredible long-lived, with even original 1996 bottles reportedly continuing to develop and show no signs of stopping. 

Grape: Chardonnay

Soil: Rocky volcanic 

Viticulture: Practicing Organic