United States · California

Kongsgaard

Kongsgaard is one of Napa Valley's most individually distinctive small producers, founded by John Kongsgaard in 1996 following his tenure as head winemaker at Newton Vineyard. Kongsgaard and his family farm 14 acres on the slopes of Mount Veeder from which they produce Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Viognier in tiny quantities — rarely exceeding 1,500 cases per wine. The Chardonnay is the flagship: made from estate fruit and barrel-fermented in French oak with extended lees ageing, it is widely considered the finest Chardonnay produced in Napa Valley and among California's greatest white wines. The Rule Chardonnay is the second-tier white wine. Across 454 auction lots, the estate averages $148 per bottle with prices reaching $1,434 for the Judge Chardonnay — a prestige selection made in microscopic quantities from the oldest estate vines. Wine Advocate has awarded the estate Chardonnay scores of 96–99 across multiple vintages. Kongsgaard's Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah from Hudson Vineyards are similarly prized but less widely tracked.