Kings Farm Red 2020 Kongsgaard

Tasting Note Kings Farm Red 2020

Initially, aromas of blackcurrant and dark plum emerge, followed by notes of cedar, dried herbs, and a dusty, graphite-like edge. Cabernet Sauvignon forms the backbone, while Merlot fills out the mid-palate, giving the wine a broad rather than light character. The tannins are well-ripened yet still firm, and the heat of that vintage is reflected in the wine's intensity rather than its sweetness. The beautiful finish derives not only from the fruit but also from the structure. The Kings Farm Red 2020 improves with exposure to air, and the firm texture of the tannins suggests room for further development.

Cellaring Potential

Best enjoyed through 2040. Decant for about an hour and serve at 16-18°C.

About Kongsgaard

The essence of Kongsgaard lies in its small-scale production. It produces approximately 4,000 cases annually, a volume far smaller than a Napa average closer to 30,000 cases, and most of the work is done by hand.

• John and Maggy Kongsgaard purchased their Oak Knoll District property in 1975 and established the winery in the late 1970s.
• Alex, their son, is a member of the winemaking team.
• Although farming is not officially certified, it operates according to sustainable and organic practices.

While Chardonnay has built a reputation, the red wines, including Kings Farm Red, are also noteworthy.

Terroir & Climate

The grapes used for Kings Farm Red are grown in vineyards located on high ground near the winery, above Oakville and on the western edge of Napa Valley. This hilly, sloping terrain features poorer, rockier soil, and the smaller grape berries result in more concentrated color and tannins in Cabernet Sauvignon. The cool air blowing in from San Pablo Bay pulls in the other direction, helping to maintain acidity as the grapes ripen. So the wine contains opposing forces and that appears clearly in the medium body and firm expressive elements of the wine.

Winemaking

Kongsgaard keeps the cellar deliberately low-tech. Since no commercial yeast strains are used, only indigenous yeasts, fermentations start slowly and on their own schedule. Since the wine undergoes no clarification or filtration during bottling, and sulfur dioxide use is minimized, Kings Farm Red possesses a richer texture and more sediment than a polished Napa red. Picking, pressing and racking are done by hand. It is recommended to decant the wine to remove sediment.

Food Pairing

Firm tannins must harmonize with fat and protein. Recommended food pairings:

• Grilled ribeye steak, simply grilled and sprinkled with salt. The fat in the beef softens the astringency of the tannins.
• Slow-cooked short ribs, where the Merlot side of the blend meets the braising juices
• Lamb shoulder with rosemary, picking up the wine's herbal edge.
• Aged Gouda or a firm sheep's milk cheese