Kongsgaard Chardonnay The Judge 2018

Parker: The 2018 Chardonnay The Judge (a barrel sample) leaps from the glass with vivacious notes of mandarin peel, lemongrass and lime leaves with a core of fresh pink grapefruit, green guava and apple blossom plus wafts of shaved almonds and wet pebbles. Full-bodied, the palate delivers a powerful core of tropical fruit and savory layers with a lively line of freshness and a pleasantly oily texture, finishing long and zesty. Very pure, very delineated and wonderfully chalky at the very end. 97-99/100

Galloni: The 2018 Chardonnay The Judge stands out for its gracious, bright personality. It doesn't have the oiliness or richness of most years, at least not today. Perhaps that will develop in time. We will see. What is pretty clear is that the 2018 is a very special wine with a long drinking window ahead of it. Scents of orchard fruit, white flowers and mint are so enticing, but it's really best to wait here. The 2018 is flat-out stunning.