2020 Hudson Vineyard Chardonnay
Notes
Pale straw yellow. Pretty and showy aromas of yellow skinned orchard fruit, salted apricot and lemongrass are woven with a distinct and delicate salinity that marks it so clearly as Hudson. A generous palate, broad, long and silky, is seamlessly buttressed by bright acidity. A memorable bottling as record low crops revealed the purest essence of the site.
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96 points
Audrey Frick, Jeb Dunnuck
The fruit of the 2020 Chardonnay Hudson Vineyard is more pronounced, with banana peel and pineapple on the nose. On the palate, the wine reveals a marine influence along with delicate notes of matchstick, green apple, white blossoms, and hazelnut. The acidity here is more modest, with more savory Rhône-like texture.
96 points
Erin Brooks, The Wine Advocate
The average yields of three tons per acre at Hudson Vineyard were down to 1.75 tons per acre in 2020 due to very poor set in the spring, accounting for the concentrated character of the Chardonnays. This 2020 Chardonnay Hudson Vineyard, however, is also notable for its acidity and energy. Winemaker Jason Kesner, who took over from Steve Kistler in 2018, says, "We used to pick Hudson later. Now that we are focusing on acidity and picking earlier, the grape skins don't break down in the press as readily. The skins stay more intact, reducing solids, and that has refined the expression of Hudson." It has a medium gold color and begins with oceanic character—saline and nori—before unfurling to white peaches, spring butter and jasmine. The medium-bodied palate is powerful yet tensile, with its tangy acidity, creamy texture and gentle phenolic touch working in tandem as it glides across the palate into a very long, ethereal finish. Usually, around 1,000 cases are made, but only 550 cases of the 2020 are available.
99 points
James Suckling
Aromas of baked apple, olive oil and dried rosemary. Medium-to full-bodied. The salinity here balances really well with the nutty and citrus character. Savory and long. Refreshing tannins at the finish make you want to go back for more. Chewy, but the tannins melt into the wine. One of the best wines from Hudson ever.
