2022 | WE 92
The 2022 Riverstone display enticing aromas of ripe orange, white peach, nectarine, cocoa, and baking spices. The rich texture and balance on the palate from barrel aging sur lie offers flavors of ripe Meyer lemon, citrus cream, hazelnut, and a hint of oak on the long finish.
THE J LOHR STORY
Fifty years ago, Jerry Lohr embarked on a career change. What followed would reshape the landscape of the California wine industry and create one of the country’s most popular wine brands.
In the late 1960s, Jerry Lohr began an extensive investigation of California grape growing regions – searching for the ideal location for his first vineyard. Jerry was raised on a South Dakota farm; his agricultural roots armed him with an innate sense for the relationship between climate, soil, and location. His research and instincts led him to the Central Coast, an area just beginning to explore its potential for winegrowing.
Four decades ago, the California Central Coast had not yet emerged as one of North America’s world-class winegrowing regions. With little history or viticultural precedent, planting on the Central Coast was a gamble. One of a handful of early pioneers, Jerry Lohr was among the first to realize the inherent potential of Monterey and Paso Robles for producing high quality grapes and superb wines.
PIONEERING MONTEREY AND PASO ROBLES -JERRY LOHR LEGACY-It’s no coincidence that the Central Coast’s emergence as a world class winegrowing region runs parallel with the establishment and growth of J. Lohr Vineyards & Winery. Founder Jerry Lohr is one of the region’s pioneers and has played a larger-than-life role in bringing the area to prominence.
Jerry’s instincts led him to two regions located about 75 miles apart. In the early 1970s, he chose Monterey County’s Arroyo Seco district for its cool, windy climate and rocky soils as ideal for Chardonnay. In the 1980s, he recognized the potential of Paso Robles for growing Bordeaux varietals, especially Cabernet Sauvignon – given the area’s rich soils and dramatic diurnal temperature swings between warm days and cool nights.
After Jerry Lohr’s nearly decade-long search for the right place to plant his first vineyard, he chose a site in Monterey County that was to become the heart of the Arroyo Seco appellation. Jerry originally planted 280 acres in 1972 and 1973 near Greenfield. Monterey County’s Arroyo Seco appellation has proved ideal for growing layered, complex Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Brisk winds and fog off Monterey Bay, stony, well-drained soils, and a lack of damaging fall rains all combine to produce grapes with trademark fruit intensity and balancing acidity. In 1974, Jerry unveiled the first J. Lohr winery in San Jose.
In the early 1980s, Jerry Lohr saw the potential for great Cabernet Sauvignon further south. Borrowing a lesson from the French—that great Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon excel in very different growing conditions—Jerry began planting Cabernet Sauvignon and other red varieties in San Luis Obispo County’s little-known Paso Robles region in 1986. With the hands-on devotion of an artisan farmer, Jerry tended to the vines while diligently working toward the creation and development of an adjacent winery and barreling cellars; J. Lohr’s Paso Robles production facility was opened in 1988.
2020 | WE 91
Dense blackberry, wood spice, caramel; praised for balance and structure.
2021 | V 94
Toasty oak, roasted red fruit, boysenberry; approachable with fine tannins.
2022 | WE 90
Black cherry, graphite, chocolate; balanced, medium-bodied, widely available.
2023 | WE 91
Ripe black cherry, cassis, toasted pastry; soft tannins, fruit-forward style.
THE J LOHR STORY
Fifty years ago, Jerry Lohr embarked on a career change. What followed would reshape the landscape of the California wine industry and create one of the country’s most popular wine brands.
In the late 1960s, Jerry Lohr began an extensive investigation of California grape growing regions – searching for the ideal location for his first vineyard. Jerry was raised on a South Dakota farm; his agricultural roots armed him with an innate sense for the relationship between climate, soil, and location. His research and instincts led him to the Central Coast, an area just beginning to explore its potential for winegrowing.
Four decades ago, the California Central Coast had not yet emerged as one of North America’s world-class winegrowing regions. With little history or viticultural precedent, planting on the Central Coast was a gamble. One of a handful of early pioneers, Jerry Lohr was among the first to realize the inherent potential of Monterey and Paso Robles for producing high quality grapes and superb wines.
PIONEERING MONTEREY AND PASO ROBLES -JERRY LOHR LEGACY-It’s no coincidence that the Central Coast’s emergence as a world class winegrowing region runs parallel with the establishment and growth of J. Lohr Vineyards & Winery. Founder Jerry Lohr is one of the region’s pioneers and has played a larger-than-life role in bringing the area to prominence.
Jerry’s instincts led him to two regions located about 75 miles apart. In the early 1970s, he chose Monterey County’s Arroyo Seco district for its cool, windy climate and rocky soils as ideal for Chardonnay. In the 1980s, he recognized the potential of Paso Robles for growing Bordeaux varietals, especially Cabernet Sauvignon – given the area’s rich soils and dramatic diurnal temperature swings between warm days and cool nights.
After Jerry Lohr’s nearly decade-long search for the right place to plant his first vineyard, he chose a site in Monterey County that was to become the heart of the Arroyo Seco appellation. Jerry originally planted 280 acres in 1972 and 1973 near Greenfield. Monterey County’s Arroyo Seco appellation has proved ideal for growing layered, complex Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Brisk winds and fog off Monterey Bay, stony, well-drained soils, and a lack of damaging fall rains all combine to produce grapes with trademark fruit intensity and balancing acidity. In 1974, Jerry unveiled the first J. Lohr winery in San Jose.
In the early 1980s, Jerry Lohr saw the potential for great Cabernet Sauvignon further south. Borrowing a lesson from the French—that great Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon excel in very different growing conditions—Jerry began planting Cabernet Sauvignon and other red varieties in San Luis Obispo County’s little-known Paso Robles region in 1986. With the hands-on devotion of an artisan farmer, Jerry tended to the vines while diligently working toward the creation and development of an adjacent winery and barreling cellars; J. Lohr’s Paso Robles production facility was opened in 1988.
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About Winery
The Mugnier family established their domaine in 1863 when Frédéric Mugnier, a successful liqueur merchant, acquired vineyards in Chambolle-Musigny, including the famed Clos de la Maréchale. For much of the 20th century, the estate’s holdings were leased out, and the family’s direct involvement in winemaking diminished. In 1985, Jacques-Frédéric Mugnier, representing the fifth generation, returned to Burgundy and began reclaiming the family’s vineyards, gradually restoring the domaine’s reputation. By 2004, he had regained full control of Clos de la Maréchale, making the estate one of the largest in Chambolle-Musigny. Today, Domaine Jacques-Frédéric Mugnier spans about 14 hectares, including prestigious parcels in Musigny, Les Amoureuses, and Bonnes-Mares, and is celebrated worldwide for producing wines of purity, finesse, and longevity that epitomize Chambolle’s delicate yet profound style.
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About Winery
The Mugnier family established their domaine in 1863 when Frédéric Mugnier, a successful liqueur merchant, acquired vineyards in Chambolle-Musigny, including the famed Clos de la Maréchale. For much of the 20th century, the estate’s holdings were leased out, and the family’s direct involvement in winemaking diminished. In 1985, Jacques-Frédéric Mugnier, representing the fifth generation, returned to Burgundy and began reclaiming the family’s vineyards, gradually restoring the domaine’s reputation. By 2004, he had regained full control of Clos de la Maréchale, making the estate one of the largest in Chambolle-Musigny. Today, Domaine Jacques-Frédéric Mugnier spans about 14 hectares, including prestigious parcels in Musigny, Les Amoureuses, and Bonnes-Mares, and is celebrated worldwide for producing wines of purity, finesse, and longevity that epitomize Chambolle’s delicate yet profound style.
PRE-ORDER
About Winery
The Mugnier family established their domaine in 1863 when Frédéric Mugnier, a successful liqueur merchant, acquired vineyards in Chambolle-Musigny, including the famed Clos de la Maréchale. For much of the 20th century, the estate’s holdings were leased out, and the family’s direct involvement in winemaking diminished. In 1985, Jacques-Frédéric Mugnier, representing the fifth generation, returned to Burgundy and began reclaiming the family’s vineyards, gradually restoring the domaine’s reputation. By 2004, he had regained full control of Clos de la Maréchale, making the estate one of the largest in Chambolle-Musigny. Today, Domaine Jacques-Frédéric Mugnier spans about 14 hectares, including prestigious parcels in Musigny, Les Amoureuses, and Bonnes-Mares, and is celebrated worldwide for producing wines of purity, finesse, and longevity that epitomize Chambolle’s delicate yet profound style.
PRE-ORDER
About Winery
The Mugnier family established their domaine in 1863 when Frédéric Mugnier, a successful liqueur merchant, acquired vineyards in Chambolle-Musigny, including the famed Clos de la Maréchale. For much of the 20th century, the estate’s holdings were leased out, and the family’s direct involvement in winemaking diminished. In 1985, Jacques-Frédéric Mugnier, representing the fifth generation, returned to Burgundy and began reclaiming the family’s vineyards, gradually restoring the domaine’s reputation. By 2004, he had regained full control of Clos de la Maréchale, making the estate one of the largest in Chambolle-Musigny. Today, Domaine Jacques-Frédéric Mugnier spans about 14 hectares, including prestigious parcels in Musigny, Les Amoureuses, and Bonnes-Mares, and is celebrated worldwide for producing wines of purity, finesse, and longevity that epitomize Chambolle’s delicate yet profound style.
PRE-ORDER
About Winery
The Mugnier family established their domaine in 1863 when Frédéric Mugnier, a successful liqueur merchant, acquired vineyards in Chambolle-Musigny, including the famed Clos de la Maréchale. For much of the 20th century, the estate’s holdings were leased out, and the family’s direct involvement in winemaking diminished. In 1985, Jacques-Frédéric Mugnier, representing the fifth generation, returned to Burgundy and began reclaiming the family’s vineyards, gradually restoring the domaine’s reputation. By 2004, he had regained full control of Clos de la Maréchale, making the estate one of the largest in Chambolle-Musigny. Today, Domaine Jacques-Frédéric Mugnier spans about 14 hectares, including prestigious parcels in Musigny, Les Amoureuses, and Bonnes-Mares, and is celebrated worldwide for producing wines of purity, finesse, and longevity that epitomize Chambolle’s delicate yet profound style.
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About Winery
Founded in 1868 and based in Meursault, Domaine Jacques Prieur is a historic Burgundy estate with an extensive portfolio of Grand and Premier Cru vineyards. Renamed in 1956 after Jacques Prieur, a co-founder of the Chevaliers du Tastevin, the domaine was purchased in 1988 by the Labruyère family and partners.
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About Winery
Domaine Jean Grivot, rooted in the late 18th-century French Revolution, is a premier Vosne-Romanée estate, now directed by Mathilde and Hubert Grivot (succeeding father Étienne and grandfather Jean). Renowned for refined, elegant Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru, the family has championed estate bottling since 1919 and focuses on organic, low-yield, and terroir-driven Pinot Noir.
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About Winery
The Grivot family’s origins lie in Italy’s Val d’Aosta, but they settled in Vosne-Romanée during the French Revolution, laying the foundation for what would become Domaine Jean Grivot. Jean assumed control of the estate in 1955 after his father’s death, and by 1959 all wines were bottled at the domaine, a move that elevated its reputation for authenticity and terroir transparency. In 1982, Jean’s son Étienne joined after formal oenology studies in Beaune and international experience in California, gradually taking over vineyard and cellar management by 1987. Étienne refined the domaine’s style, balancing density and finesse, and expanded holdings to include prestigious parcels such as Clos de Vougeot, Échezeaux, Richebourg, and Les Beaux Monts. Today, the sixth generation—Étienne’s children Mathilde and Hubert—are firmly established at the helm, continuing the family’s legacy of producing elegant, age-worthy Pinot Noirs that embody the essence of Vosne-Romanée.
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About Winery
Domaine Jean Grivot is a renowned, multi-generational Vosne-Romanée estate with roots dating to the French Revolution. Established by the Grivot family (originally from Jura), it was significantly developed by Gaston Grivot in the early 20th century. Known for producing exceptional Pinot Noir from elite plots like Richebourg, Échezeaux, and Clos de Vougeot, the domain is currently managed by Mathilde Grivot, following the tenure of her father, Etienne Grivot.
Tasting Notes
A lovely deep saturated ruby color, this Cabernet opens with a vibrant nose of black raspberry, blackcurrant and blackberry preserves alongside delicate hints of violet. On the palate, ripe dark plum, black cherry, classic redcurrant and hibiscus flower support savory Chaparral sagebrush notes of lavender and Bay Laurel, while the fruit remains bright and boisterous, enveloping the mouth with a medium to full body and lip-smacking appeal. The texture is soft and silky with velvety-rich tannins that provide a nice grip and firmness with good depth and balance. Concluding with a refined and polished character, the finish is long and sumptuous with an enchanting seductive character.
About Winery
Domaine Fourrier, based in Gevrey-Chambertin, traces its roots back to the 1930s when Fernand Pernot established the estate, later passing it to his nephew Jean-Claude Fourrier. In 1994, Jean-Marie Fourrier took over at just 23 years old after training with Henri Jayer and Domaine Drouhin in Oregon, bringing a philosophy of minimal intervention, native yeast fermentations, and restrained oak use. With many old-vine parcels planted between the 1930s and 1950s, the domaine quickly rose to prominence for producing transparent, terroir-driven wines. Today, Jean-Marie runs the estate alongside his family, maintaining its reputation as one of Burgundy’s most respected producers.
Tasting Notes
This Bourgogne Rouge is far above average for the appellation, offering elegance, complexity, and balance that reflect Fourrier’s meticulous, low-intervention winemaking. It’s a superb entry point into his style, delivering purity and finesse without the price tag of his village or premier cru bottlings.
About Winery
Domaine Fourrier, based in Gevrey-Chambertin, traces its roots back to the 1930s when Fernand Pernot established the estate, later passing it to his nephew Jean-Claude Fourrier. In 1994, Jean-Marie Fourrier took over at just 23 years old after training with Henri Jayer and Domaine Drouhin in Oregon, bringing a philosophy of minimal intervention, native yeast fermentations, and restrained oak use. With many old-vine parcels planted between the 1930s and 1950s, the domaine quickly rose to prominence for producing transparent, terroir-driven wines. Today, Jean-Marie runs the estate alongside his family, maintaining its reputation as one of Burgundy’s most respected producers.
Tasting Notes
This wine is powerful yet refined, offering classic Pommard grip balanced by Fourrier’s hallmark elegance. It is already impressive but will truly shine after a few years of aging, making it a strong candidate for collectors seeking a Premier Cru Burgundy with both structure and finesse.
About Winery
Domaine Fourrier, based in Gevrey-Chambertin, traces its roots back to the 1930s when Fernand Pernot established the estate, later passing it to his nephew Jean-Claude Fourrier. In 1994, Jean-Marie Fourrier took over at just 23 years old after training with Henri Jayer and Domaine Drouhin in Oregon, bringing a philosophy of minimal intervention, native yeast fermentations, and restrained oak use. With many old-vine parcels planted between the 1930s and 1950s, the domaine quickly rose to prominence for producing transparent, terroir-driven wines. Today, Jean-Marie runs the estate alongside his family, maintaining its reputation as one of Burgundy’s most respected producers.
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About Winery
Founded in 1880 in Beaune by 22-year-old Joseph Drouhin, this prestigious Burgundy house began as a négociant before evolving into a major producer with extensive vineyard holdings. Known for a focus on terroir and organic/biodynamic farming, the family-run winery expanded significantly under Maurice and Robert Drouhin, including establishing a 50-hectare estate in Oregon in 1987.
PRE-ORDER
About Winery
Founded in 1880 in Beaune by 22-year-old Joseph Drouhin, this prestigious Burgundy house began as a négociant before evolving into a major producer with extensive vineyard holdings. Known for a focus on terroir and organic/biodynamic farming, the family-run winery expanded significantly under Maurice and Robert Drouhin, including establishing a 50-hectare estate in Oregon in 1987.
PRE-ORDER
About Winery
Founded in 1880 in Beaune by 22-year-old Joseph Drouhin, this prestigious Burgundy house began as a négociant before evolving into a major producer with extensive vineyard holdings. Known for a focus on terroir and organic/biodynamic farming, the family-run winery expanded significantly under Maurice and Robert Drouhin, including establishing a 50-hectare estate in Oregon in 1987.
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About Winery
Joseph Drouhin established his négociant house in Beaune in 1880, laying the foundation for what would become one of Burgundy’s most influential wine families. Over the following decades, the Drouhin family expanded vineyard holdings across Chablis, Côte de Beaune, Côte de Nuits, and Côte Chalonnaise, while also sourcing grapes from trusted growers. In 1957, Robert Drouhin, Joseph’s grandson, took over and introduced estate bottling, elevating quality and reputation. He also spearheaded the family’s international expansion by founding Domaine Drouhin Oregon in the Willamette Valley in 1987, making them one of the first Burgundian families to invest in the U.S. Today, the estate spans more than 90 hectares in Burgundy and is fully certified organic since 2009, producing wines that emphasize elegance, finesse, and terroir expression. The domaine remains family-run, with Joseph’s great-grandchildren at the helm, ensuring continuity of tradition while embracing modern sustainability.
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About Winery
Founded in 1880 in Beaune by 22-year-old Joseph Drouhin, this prestigious Burgundy house began as a négociant before evolving into a major producer with extensive vineyard holdings. Known for a focus on terroir and organic/biodynamic farming, the family-run winery expanded significantly under Maurice and Robert Drouhin, including establishing a 50-hectare estate in Oregon in 1987.
2008 (PRE-ORDER) | V 97
The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus is a beautifully delineated wine endowed with tons of personality and sheer class. The wine comes alive in the glass, with crushed rose petals, dark raspberry jam, licorice and spices. There is an exotic element to the fruit that is highly appealing. Today the tannins are quite firm, suggesting the wine needs at least a few more years in the cellar.
2018 | JD 97
Aromas of mint, dark berries and black olives follow through to a medium to full body with lightly chewy and layered tannins that are long and focused. Lots of black-olive and conifer undertones, yet it remains subtle.
About Winery
Joseph Phelps Vineyards is a family-owned and operated wine estate with vineyards and wineries in Napa Valley and on the western Sonoma Coast. The winery was founded in 1973 by Joseph Phelps, a successful construction executive and entrepreneur whose early interest in wine led him to establish vineyards on a 670-acre former cattle ranch in Napa Valley. Over the next 42 years Joe became one of the most respected figures in the California wine industry, building Joseph Phelps Vineyards into a critically-acclaimed winery internationally known for its iconic wines and unwavering commitment to quality.
Joe’s son, Bill Phelps, joined the family business in 1998 after a successful career in law, and as Executive Chairman now oversees Joseph Phelps Vineyards with a continued dedication to excellence.
Family owns and farms 425 acres of vines in Napa Valley on nine estate vineyards in St. Helena, Rutherford, Oakville, Stags Leap District, Oak Knoll District, South Napa and Carneros, as well as 100 acres over two vineyards on the western Sonoma Coast. Strategically chosen over many decades, each vineyard has its own personality and brings a different characteristic to our wines. Our commitment to an estate-based model is our way of ensuring consistency and the highest quality we can possibly achieve. Our estate vineyards, paired with select long-term grower relationships, give our winemaking teams unparalleled depth and diversity when it comes to producing Joseph Phelps wines.
2022 | JS 94
Bright, lifted, black and red fruits with aromas of dark cherries, damson plums, cedar box and fresh herbs. The full-bodied palate has a supple, rounded mouthfeel and softly integrated tannins. 91% cabernet sauvignon with smatterings of the other main Bordeaux varieties. Lively and approachable yet plush with plenty of years ahead.
About Winery
Joseph Phelps Vineyards is a family-owned and operated wine estate with vineyards and wineries in Napa Valley and on the western Sonoma Coast. The winery was founded in 1973 by Joseph Phelps, a successful construction executive and entrepreneur whose early interest in wine led him to establish vineyards on a 670-acre former cattle ranch in Napa Valley. Over the next 42 years Joe became one of the most respected figures in the California wine industry, building Joseph Phelps Vineyards into a critically-acclaimed winery internationally known for its iconic wines and unwavering commitment to quality.
Joe’s son, Bill Phelps, joined the family business in 1998 after a successful career in law, and as Executive Chairman now oversees Joseph Phelps Vineyards with a continued dedication to excellence.
Family owns and farms 425 acres of vines in Napa Valley on nine estate vineyards in St. Helena, Rutherford, Oakville, Stags Leap District, Oak Knoll District, South Napa and Carneros, as well as 100 acres over two vineyards on the western Sonoma Coast. Strategically chosen over many decades, each vineyard has its own personality and brings a different characteristic to our wines. Our commitment to an estate-based model is our way of ensuring consistency and the highest quality we can possibly achieve. Our estate vineyards, paired with select long-term grower relationships, give our winemaking teams unparalleled depth and diversity when it comes to producing Joseph Phelps wines.
2016 | JS 98 | Pre Order
Classic Napa richness, blackberry, cassis, chocolate, long finish.
2018 | JS 99
One of the best Insignias ever; complex, layered, age-worthy.
2019 | RP 96 | Pre Order
Dense, brooding black fruit, cigar box, tobacco, powerful tannins.
2021 | RP 96 | Pre Order
Young, structured, dark cherry, plum, eucalyptus; high tannins, long aging potential.
About Winery
Joseph Phelps Vineyards is a family-owned and operated wine estate with vineyards and wineries in Napa Valley and on the western Sonoma Coast. The winery was founded in 1973 by Joseph Phelps, a successful construction executive and entrepreneur whose early interest in wine led him to establish vineyards on a 670-acre former cattle ranch in Napa Valley. Over the next 42 years Joe became one of the most respected figures in the California wine industry, building Joseph Phelps Vineyards into a critically-acclaimed winery internationally known for its iconic wines and unwavering commitment to quality.
Joe’s son, Bill Phelps, joined the family business in 1998 after a successful career in law, and as Executive Chairman now oversees Joseph Phelps Vineyards with a continued dedication to excellence.
Family owns and farms 425 acres of vines in Napa Valley on nine estate vineyards in St. Helena, Rutherford, Oakville, Stags Leap District, Oak Knoll District, South Napa and Carneros, as well as 100 acres over two vineyards on the western Sonoma Coast. Strategically chosen over many decades, each vineyard has its own personality and brings a different characteristic to our wines. Our commitment to an estate-based model is our way of ensuring consistency and the highest quality we can possibly achieve. Our estate vineyards, paired with select long-term grower relationships, give our winemaking teams unparalleled depth and diversity when it comes to producing Joseph Phelps wines.
2020 | V 94
The 2020 Chardonnay (Napa Valley) is exquisite. That's all there is to it. Creamy and rich, yet not at all heavy, the Napa Valley Chardonnay is perhaps a bit understated, but also avoids the edginess of so many other wines in this vintage. Orchard fruit, mint, lemon confit and tangerine oil open first. Pretty floral and tropical accents grace the finish in this classy, polished Chardonnay from John and Alex Kongsgaard.
2021 | V 97
The 2021 Chardonnay (Napa Valley) is stellar. Wonderfully refined and airy, the 2021 impresses with its total harmony. It is especially elegant. Whether that is due to the vintage, a tendency to pick on the earlier side these days, or the combination of sites, the 2021 is magnificent, if a bit less showy than it used to be. (AG)
2022 | V 93
The 2022 Chardonnay (Napa Valley) is typically a blend of Hyde, Hudson, Arcadia and a few others. In 2022, Hudson was not in the blend. Dried lemon peel, tangerine oil, hazelnut and chamomile unfurl in the glass. The drought conditions of the year produced a wine of considerable intensity. Its weight and viscous intensity make it a sort of mini-Judge. The 2022 is very dense and phenolic.
2023 | V 96
The 2023 Chardonnay (Napa Valley) is a total stunner. Lemon confit, white flowers, tangerine peel, baked apple tart and lightly honeyed notes fill out the layers effortlessly. This large-scale, layered Chardonnay is exceptionally elegant and polished. Readers will find a Chardonnay of tremendous textural breadth and pedigree.
Winemaker Notes
The 2021 Kongsgaard Chardonnay is described as a stellar, refined, and elegant wine. It showcases a harmonious blend of citrus and honeyed aromas with a vibrant, saline, and mineral finish. The wine exhibits a full-bodied and creamy texture with a long, lingering finish, featuring notes of lemon oil and wet stone. It is characterized by a bright acidity that balances the rich fruit flavors.
Kongsgaard Winery
Kongsgaard Winery is a boutique, family-owned winery located in the heart of Napa Valley, California. Known for producing small amounts of highly acclaimed, world-class wines, the winery has gained a reputation for its exceptional Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignon, which reflect the rich terroir of Napa Valley.
2019 | JD 94
Rocking spiced herbs, red and black fruits along with some meaty, exotic notes all emerge from the 2019 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills, a complex, medium to full-bodied Pinot Noir with a round, expansive, seamless texture that's already a joy to drink.
2020 | WE 95
Snappy red-cherry aromas meet with tarragon and other fresh garden herbs on the nose of this appellation bottling. The palate is vibrant and fresh with red fruit as well as prominent spices like mace and cinnamon, but that minty tarragon tone is what ups the uniquely delicious quotient.
About Winery
For over two decades, Harlan Estate has been committed to creating a California "first growth" wine estate. Founded in 1984, Harlan Estate is set in the western hills of Oakville, rising above the fabled Napa Valley benchlands.
Carved from the raw land and built for generations, the estate is over 240 acres of natural spendor, 15% of which are under vine, planted to the classic varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.
