Kongsgaard

John and Maggy Kongsgaard started planting vines in the 1970’s on the Kongsgaard family land near Napa, California (USA) and named it “The Judge” vineyard. The first commercial release of Kongsgaard wines came in 1996.

Kongsgaard is considered a cult wine producer, especially when international wine critics, such as Robert Parker, gave very high ratings to the various wines produced. “The Judge” Chardonnay 2013 received the perfect score of 100 points! Only one and a half bottle are being made from each vine.

The name “The Judge” is derived from John’s father, who was a judge for many years. It is, just as the regular Chardonnay, fermented and aged in new French oak barrels and not fined or filtered before bottling. Other wines in the portfolio of Kongsgaard are the Kongsgaard Chardonnay (sourced from the same vineyard as “The Judge”), Kongsgaard Syrah (made from purchased grapes from the 1.09 Ha Hudson Vineyard in Carneros, aged in 50% new oak for 2 years and the wine is not fined or filtered) ,  Kongsgaard Cabernet Sauvignon (first vintage was 2005), Kongsgaard “VioRous” (Viognier / Roussanne, fermented with its natural yeast and aged for 10 months in French oak), and Kongsgaard “The Fimasaurus” (a Bordeaux blend), all bottled in their underground winery.

The wines from Kongsgaard are produced in minute quantities and reserved to members of their mailing list. John and Maggy Kongsgaard also produce a second range of wines named “Thye Kings Farm” at an attractive price and are considered siblings of the main brand.