2015 Syrah Hudson Vineyards

The Kongsgaard estate was in the eye of the storm as fires of unprecedented ferocity ravaged much of the property this past October. The Kongsgaards barely escaped, literally with just a few minutes to spare. Miraculously, the family home was saved, while the fire stopped just outside the winery. Portions of the estate vineyard were damaged, although it will take some time to know how badly. My fall tasting was memorable for the number of utterly sublime wines I tasted with John and Alex Kongsgaard. As I have written here previously, my impression is that the wines are a bit more refined today than in the recent past. These remain some of the most unique and deeply human wines being made in Napa Valley today.

This is a striking set of wines from John and Maggie Kongsgaard, and their son Alex, who continues to take on a greater role at the estate. I found a bit more textural lift and airiness in these wines than in the past, the Chardonnays in particular. It's too soon to know if the slightly different feel to these wines is a reflection of progressively warmer, earlier vintages, or if some of that is attributable to Alex Konsgaards' touch. We will see. The 2014 is the first Cabernet Sauvignon that incorporates fruit from Kongsgaard's home ranch on Atlas Peak, with an old heritage clone that was planted some years ago. Cabernet Franc also makes its first appearance in the Cabernets, with selections from Hudson and Pomerol's Vieux Château Certan. These remain some of the most striking and deeply personal wines being made in Napa Valley. The final notes of Beethoven's Symphony No. 3 'Eroica' fade into the background as this tasting wraps up. Heroic, indeed.