Kongsgaard Wine - The Judge

Since the mid-1990s, the Kongsgaard family has carved a distinct niche within the Napa Valley landscape, celebrated for their unwavering focus on crafting Chardonnay of singular character and depth. Their vineyards, nestled in the region's unique volcanic soils, provide the foundation for wines that embody both power and finesse. With 5 generations of history in the region and ancestry that directly links to Daniel Boone, Kongsgaard ensures that its history is honored in both the wine and winery. 

Kongsgaard Wine: Napa's First Family

The lineage of John Kongsgaard can be directly traced to the first European settlers to arrive in Napa Valley. Also the descendent of American icon Daniel Boone, the Kongsgaard family have cemented themselves as a bearer of Napa Valley, owning vineyards for as far back as the 1920s. Though the family never had a winery, John Kongsgaard's formative young adult years took place during Napa's transition from a sleepy town filled with fruit orchards to a booming region filled with top vineyards.

After studying enology at UC Davis and working short stints at Stony Hill in 1975 and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Kongsgaard took over as head winemaker for Newton Vineyards where he stayed for over a decade. He introduced traditional European techniques to the winery, such as a year-long fermentation process, known for being incredibly risky yet highly rewarding. Through refining Napa Chardonnay and carefully studying the land, Kongsgaard knew the time was ready to create a vineyard of his own. 

1996 Kongsgaard Chardonnay: The First Vintage

In the 90s, starting up side projects and consulting gigs was vastly unheard of, forcing Kongsgaard to quit his winemaking job at Newton to start his estate with full-time working hours. He was able to gain help from his two sons, Alex and Evan, and used the family's small 10-acre vineyard that had been owned since the 1920s. Because the winemaking was down to the three men, small yields were produced for the first vintage and each after. Only 600 cases of the first vintage were released and every Kongsgaard vintage has followed suit. Release numbers vary from 250-500 cases a year, making Kongsgaard Chardonnay rare and highly valuable in the fine wine market.

"Archaic" Winemaking Remains King 

Made with organic and biodynamic practices, minimal intervention in the cellar, and a deep respect for the natural rhythms of the vine, John Kongsgaard has remained committed to tried-and-true winemaking processes. His methods have been heavily inspired by 19th-century European winemaking, a technique that scares most Napa winemakers. By fermenting the wine for a full year, and sometimes even longer, Kongsgaard can extract the finest and most powerful tastes and aromas from the Napa Chardonnay. Jokingly referred to as a "death and resurrection" method by journalists, the Kongsgaard never lose faith in their method, even if it may mean losing cases of wine. And, the result? Kongsgaard Chardonnays are not merely wines; they are expressions of time, place, and the dedication of those who tend the land.

Kongsgaard The Judge 

Named after his father's career as Napa's premier Superior Court judge, Kongsgaard's "The Judge" has become the estate's flagship label. Known for its creamy palate and intense aromas of peach and French oak vanilla, the Judge has become some of Napa's most highly coveted Chardonnay and even gained high praise from Robert Parker, who referred to the label as "California's Greatest Chardonnay."

The 2019, 2015, and 2014 vintages are some of the highest rated from the label, each earning scores in the high 90s from multiple reputable critics and publications. Tauted as "big, complex, sensational Chardonnay," the bottles are must-haves for Napa collectors looking for something unique amongst the seat of Cabernet Sauvignon. 

Kongsgaard Winery: More Than Just Chardonnay

The Kongsgaard legacy extends beyond a single varietal. While Chardonnay remains their cornerstone, they also produce limited bottlings of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, each reflecting the same commitment to quality and a sense of place. These wines are meant for those who seek out the exceptional, for collectors who value the artistry and passion that define each vintage. Explore the Kongsgaard collection and discover why their Chardonnay is considered a benchmark for Napa Valley excellence.