2010 年份的 Syrah Hudson Vineyard 是一款大酒。該酒果味極為豐富，但不突出，需在瓶中熟成一段時間才能品嘗。2009 年份的該酒質地絲滑，而 2010 年份的則十分強勁。該酒風格明顯，完美無瑕，帶有野味、灰燼、甘草和其他品種自身的芳香和味道。預期成熟時間：2015 年至 2025 年。

The 2009 Syrah Hudson Vineyard is simply breathtaking. White flowers, spices, savory herbs, licorice, graphite and new leather are some of the many nuances that add complexity to a core of deeply expressive dark fruit. The 2009 impresses for its stunning textural elegance and sheer brilliance. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2024. The long, winding drive on an early Sunday morning up to John Kongsgaard's place on Atlas Peak was well worth the effort. The small, nondescript cellar is decorated with photos of famous classical musicians that replace conventional numbers on the tanks. As for the wines, they are flat-out stunning. Kongsgaard's Chardonnays are fermented with wild yeasts and are bottled with no fining or filtration after two years in barrel. The 100% new oak is barely perceptible in these fabulous wines. The Cabernet Sauvignons are now made from Kongsgaard's vineyards in Atlas Peak. Incidentally, Kongsgaard was among the latest to harvest his Cabernet in 2011. As of October 23, not a single Cabernet grape had been brought in.Fax (707) 226-2936

The 2008 Syrah from a special, 3-acre parcel of the Hudson Vineyard planted in volcanic soils reveals abundant steak tartare/meaty notes intermixed with notions of smoked herbs, bacon, black currants, plums and Asian spices. This full-bodied, complex Syrah should be consumed over the next 7-8 years. Part viticultural evangelist, part wine wizard and part musical composer, John Kongsgaard remains one of the more singular personalities and interesting wine producers of Napa Valley. I have written many times about his “death and resurrection” theory of winemaking, and whether one agrees or disagrees with him is irrelevant. The proof is in vino veritas, and that’s exactly what he does year in and year out. With the exception of his Syrah from the Hudson Vineyard and his Cabernet Sauvignon from David Abreu’s vineyards in St. Helena, everything is produced from the estate vineyard, a 6-acre parcel high in the mountains off Coombsville Road. For a number of years, Kongsgaard has produced a small quantity (200 cases) of a Chardonnay called The Judge (an homage to his father). Although it is aged in 100% new oak for at least 20 months, it reveals no evidence of wood. Like the regular Chardonnay, The Judge is made from an Old Wente clone of Chardonnay that is believed to have come from cuttings of the Corton-Charlemagne holdings of Louis Latour at least fifty years ago. Kongsgaard’s touch with Bordeaux varietals is not as magical as it is with Chardonnay and Syrah. Nevertheless, these are still outstanding efforts, and I think his 2009 Proprietary Red will match his finest vintage to date, the 2007.Fax (707) 226-2936