The wines of John Kongsgaard are hard to define, hard to explain and sometimes hard to describe in that they boggle the mind with their insane and intense depth and richness yet tickle the palate with just enough balance to win over fans of all styles of vino. The 2007 vintage is further proof that in a year where only average wines are made, John's are exceptional, but in a year where excellent wines are made across the board, the Kongsgaard wines are simply other worldly. The nose is intense and broad with elements that run from citrus to peach and orange blossom. Once in the mouth the wine transforms into this golden blanket of Chardonnay flavors, immediately thrilling the senses with gobs of fleshy fruit, overt minerality and a certain honeyed character not unlike a top-rate Meursault. The finish starts with ample fruit, cream and oak, and then fades into a lush mineral and acidity laden crispness, and then slides back again towards a cream and golden raisin feel that seems to last for an eternity. This is California Chardonnay at its finest.