2005 The Judge Chardonnay
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The 2005 Chardonnay The Judge is one of the most impressive California Chardonnays I have ever tasted. An exotic tapestry of orange rind, tangerine, spices, honey and savory herbs unfolds on the palate with stunning grace. The 2005 is rich and oily, yet also remarkably light on its feet for such a big wine. At times, there is a Chevalier-Montrachet-like richness in the glass. Viscous and deeply expressive to the finish, the 2005 is simply breathtaking.
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Robert Parker
Robert Parker
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The Chardonnay The Judge, a special cuvee of 15 barrels (the equivalent of 320-350 cases), is an homage to John Konsgaard’s father, who was a judge. The 2005 Chardonnay The Judge flirts with perfection. Incredibly intense flowery notes along with a liqueur of honeysuckle and crushed rocks compete with some tropical fruit, quince, orange, and pineapple characteristics. This intensely full, fresh, lively, gorgeous white benefits from 22 months aging in barrel, and bottling off the lees unfiltered. John Kongsgaard’s Chardonnays come from the family’s 9-acre, high elevation, cool climate, Coombsville vineyard in southern Napa. His Syrah’s emerge from the Hudson Vineyard, a special block that was planted to his specifications. Previously recommended: 2004 Chardonnay (94), 2004 Chardonnay The Judge (98), 2004 Syrah Hudson Vineyard (90). Fax (707) 963-4512
Good bright yellow. Brooding, mineral-driven aromas of peach, pungent stone, smoke and nuts. Extraordinarily dense and tactile in the mouth, with a distinctly saline character to the superconcentrated flavors of peach, lemon and liquid stone. Conveys a much sweeter impression today than the 2006 Judge but without any loss of vibrancy. Perhaps most impressive of all on the whiplash of a finish, which features palate-saturating peach and apricot fruit flavors and great tannic support. It's tempting to say that this monumental chardonnay is Burgundian, but it would be hard to find a Burgundy with the sheer size to stand up to this. Kongsgaard advises drinking it between 2010 and 2016.
The Chardonnay The Judge, a special cuvee of 15 barrels (the equivalent of 320-350 cases), is an homage to John Konsgaard’s father, who was a judge. The 2005 Chardonnay The Judge flirts with perfection. Incredibly intense flowery notes along with a liqueur of honeysuckle and crushed rocks compete with some tropical fruit, quince, orange, and pineapple characteristics. This intensely full, fresh, lively, gorgeous white benefits from 22 months aging in barrel, and bottling off the lees unfiltered. John Kongsgaard’s Chardonnays come from the family’s 9-acre, high elevation, cool climate, Coombsville vineyard in southern Napa. His Syrah’s emerge from the Hudson Vineyard, a special block that was planted to his specifications. Previously recommended: 2004 Chardonnay (94), 2004 Chardonnay The Judge (98), 2004 Syrah Hudson Vineyard (90). Fax (707) 963-4512