Kongsgaard 2023 Chardonnay, Napa Valley

Kongsgaard remains one of Napa Valley’s most revered, small-production estates, and the 2023 vintage is a standout—combining density, precision, and remarkable aging potential. Often compared to a “mini Judge,” this bottling delivers Grand Cru-level intensity at a (relatively) more accessible tier.

One of California’s most coveted and age-worthy Chardonnays, the 2023 Kongsgaard captures the estate’s signature style—powerful yet precise, opulent yet mineral-driven. Crafted from elite vineyard sources in Carneros and Coombsville, this is a benchmark Napa Valley Chardonnay that marries Old World sensibility with New World richness.

96 Points Vinous: "The Kongsgaard 2023 Chardonnay (Napa Valley) is a total stunner. Lemon confit, white flowers, tangerine peel, baked apple tart and lightly honeyed notes fill out the layers effortlessly. This large-scale, layered Chardonnay is exceptionally elegant and polished. Readers will find a Chardonnay of tremendous textural breadth and pedigree."

Kongsgaard's historic blend of the Hudson and Hyde vineyards is augmented in 2023 with fruit from the spectacular Coombsville estate planted by Warren Winiarski for a wine of both energy and opulence. In line with the previous bottlings, the wine is defined by the tension of citrus and honeyed aromas over a vibrant, saline, mineral finish. When Robert Parker was visiting, he called this the Bâtard-Montrachet of Napa.

Food Pairing

Ideal with rich, elegant dishes such as:

• Butter-poached lobster
• Roast chicken with truffle jus
• Seared scallops
• Cream-based pasta or risotto