Winemaker Notes
The Ladybug vineyard is named in honor of Cristina Hudson, affectionately known as "ladybug." This vineyard lies on the north-eastern part of the ranch and is sheltered by Milliken Peak, which protects it from the prevailing westerly winds. Therefore, this site has slightly warmer days and cooler nights, ripening 10 days after the more westerly portions of the ranch. Ladybug tends to be a bolder, more opulent wine while still maintaining the characteristic energy of a Hudson Chardonnay.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The nose of the 2019 Chardonnay Ladybug sends tingles of anticipation down your spine, bursting into a beautiful display of pink grapefruit, honeyed pears and apple pie scents, before giving way to notions of crushed cashews, powdered ginger and butterscotch with a waft of orange blossoms. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is so impactful and yet exquisitely elegant with a satiny texture and racy backbone, finishing with epic length and depth. Absolutely delicious right now, give it a year or two in bottle (at least) for that next-level experience.
Rating: 98+ -
James Suckling
Aromas of white peaches, spiced apples, dried honeysuckle, lemon pith, cedar and cloves. It’s full-bodied with fresh acidity and a vibrant, tight and textured palate. Long and focused. Richer style and density. Drink now or hold.
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Wine Spectator
Robust and well-oaked, boasting a firm backbone of green apple and white peach flavors, with rich acidity. The well-spiced finish features buttery accents and savory hints. Drink now.
One of the most popular and versatile white wine grapes, Chardonnay offers a wide range of flavors and styles depending on where it is grown and how it is made. While it tends to flourish in most environments, Chardonnay from its Burgundian homeland produces some of the most remarkable and longest lived examples. California produces both oaky, buttery styles and leaner, European-inspired wines. Somm Secret—The Burgundian subregion of Chablis, while typically using older oak barrels, produces a bright style similar to the unoaked style. Anyone who doesn't like oaky Chardonnay would likely enjoy Chablis.
Known for elegant wines that combine power and finesse, Carneros is set in the rolling hills that straddle the southernmost parts of both Sonoma and Napa counties. The cooling winds from the abutting San Pablo Bay, combined with lots of midday California sunshine, create an ideal environment for producing wines with a perfect balance of crisp acidity and well-ripened fruit.
This cooler pocket of California lends itself to growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah. Carneros is an important source of sparkling wines made in the style of Champagne as well.