Kongsgaard Hudson Vineyard Syrah 2008
(Napa Valley, California) - [JD 96] [VM 94] [WA 92]

"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." - Robert Parker (December 2010)

Ratings & Reviews

96 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"More voluptuous and round than either the '07 or '09, the 2008 Kongsgaard Syrah Hudson Vineyard delivers a full throttle, sexy profile with decadent black fruits, mint, roasted meats, and chocolate on the nose. Full-bodied, seamless, pure, and downright hedonistic, yet perfectly balanced and not heavy in the least, this gorgeous Syrah should be enjoyed over the coming 8 to 10 years." (12/4/2011)

94 Points - Vinous Media:
"Not quite as bright ruby in color as the 2007 but very dark at the core. Knockout nose combines blueberry, blackberry, flowers, caraway seed and pungent, high-pitched Moroccan spices, complemented by a subtle note of truffley forest floor. Offers a stunning combination of energy and thickness on the palate, with almost shockingly youthful flavors of dark berries and flowers dominating. Finishes with outstanding energy and length. This should be long-lived. "The 2008 rose up a year ago to out-energize the 2007," was the way Kongsgaard put it, noting that the quality and potential longevity of this wine was not apparent until a year ago." - Stephen Tanzer (May 

92 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"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." -Robert Parker (December 2010)