2014 Kongsgaard Chardonnay The Judge
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Tasting notes
The 2014 Chardonnay The Judge (275 cases) emerges from his best parcel, which was planted in 1976 and 1990 on St. George rootstock in rocky, malnourished soils that rarely give up more than one ton of fruit per acre. This is a fabulous Chardonnay, and certainly one of the Chardonnays of the vintage. Rocky minerality intermixed with lemon custard, orange blossom, pineapple and white peach are all present in this big, complex, sensational Chardonnay to drink over the next decade or more.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Another highlight in this tasting, the 2014 Chardonnay The Judge is developing into a magnificent wine. Silky, gracious and lifted, the 2014 offers plenty of nuance. Lemon confit, hazelnut, orchard fruit and slate build as this sweeping, creamy Chardonnay shows off its personality.
The 2014 Chardonnay The Judge comes across as refined, subtle and nuanced, which is not exactly what comes to mind when I think of The Judge. Beautifully delineated and nuanced, the 2014 speaks to polish and finesse above all else. I can't remember ever seeing such an embryonic Judge. It will be interesting to see what another year in barrel does here.