Winemaker Notes
This Estate Chardonnay is composed of fruit from multiple blocks across the Hudson Estate, all planted to 100 percent Heritage Old Wente selections. First produced at Hudson in 2004 as the estate’s inaugural wine, and crafted by John Kongsgaard, it established the house style that continues to define Hudson Chardonnay today. Known for its elegance and balance, this wine has played a central role in building Hudson’s reputation for Chardonnay and is poured at some of the world’s most respected restaurants, including Michelin-starred dining rooms, as a true expression of the estate and its philosophy.
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.