Vineyard: Hudson

Hudson
OwnerLee Hudson
AppellationCarneros
StoryHudson Vineyards produces ten varieties of fruit. Fruit is sold to over 30 wineries throughout Napa and Sonoma counties. Those who have long-term contracts and buy special blocks produce vineyard-designated wines. Limited amounts of Hudson Wines (Chardonnay Syrah) are released produced by consulting winemaker John Kongsgaard and winemaker Christopher Vandendriessche.
Acres160
VarietiesCabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Grenache, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Rousanne, Syrah, Viognier

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2014 Frank Family Vineyards Carneros Chardonnay

14.5% alc., pH 3.46, TA 0.61, 25,000 cases, $35. The foundation of this wine is the Frank Family’s Lewis Vineyard in Napa Carneros. Other fruit sources include Beckstoffer Vineyards and Hudson Vineyards in Napa Carneros and Sangiacomo Vineyards in Sonoma Carneros. Barrel fermented and aged with lees stirring for 9 months in French oak barrels, 34% new. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of petrichor, apple, pear, white peach, straw and vanilla. Crisp and fresh on the palate, with apple-focused flavor and very little oak overlay. Score: 89. Reviewed October 30, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Patz & Hall Hudson Vineyard Carneros Chardonnay

14.2% alc., $55. From a 3-acre block planted to the Hudson-Wente selection isolated by Lee Hudson. Whole cluster pressed, indigenous yeast fermentations, aged on lies with weekly stirring, 100% malolactic fermentation in barrel, aged in French oak barrels, 45% new. Bottled without filtration. · Moderately golden yellow with a slight haze in the glass. Mild burnt match reduction upon opening that resolves over time in the glass revealing aromas of lemon rind, yellow apple, and vanilla. Delicious flavors of lemon pie, vanilla creme and brioche. Nicely crafted with a classy demeanor, finishing with uncommon length for a California Chardonnay. The wine still seems slightly reductive, tight and holding back at this stage. Score: 92. Reviewed April 22, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Ram’s Gate Hudson Vineyard Carneros Chardonnay

15.1% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.57, 359 cases, $64. Calera clone grown on the Napa County side of Carneros. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Ripe fruit aromas of lemon pie, pear and pineapple. The essence of lemon is complimented by flavors of pear, apple and spice in a highly delicious, heady version of Chardonnay. Very slightly creamy in texture, with spry acidity, and uncompromising intensity and length on the finish. Impressive balance at this high ABV. This is a Chardonnay to drink by itself, offering a contemplative experience from one of California’s grand cru Chardonnay vineyards. Score: 94. Reviewed October 19, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Patz & Hall Hudson Vineyard Carneros Chardonnay

14.2% alc., 375 cases, $55. James Hall calls Udson a “phenomenal farmer.” His father is the CEO of Exxon but he chose a different life path. His wines are sold primarily in Texas. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. A stunning wine that satisfies in every way. Bright aromas of lemon, pear and brioche lead to a potpourri of apple, pear and citrus flavors that arrive with aplomb. Refined, vibrant and serious, this classy juice leaves behind a vivid honeyed citrus note on the uplifting finish. Very special. Score: 96. Reviewed June 27, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 POE Hudson Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., $45. · Medium reddish purple color in the glass. Very shy aromas of dark berries, oak and a little barnyard. Middleweight flavors of dark berries, grilled mushrooms, spice and earth with some oak showing up on the finish. Very supple tannins. Quite typical of many Carneros Pinot Noirs. Rather brooding and mysterious now, improving some over time in the glass, but needing more time in bottle. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, there was still little fruit on the very shy nose and the wine remained rather closed. I sense potential here but patience is required. Score: 88. Reviewed February 4, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Patz & Hall Hudson Vineyard Carneros Napa Valley Chardonnay

13.7% alc., 279 cases, $55. Released March 2013. Sourced from the 4-acre prized block that Hudson makes his own Chardonnay from. Planted in 1980, this block featurs Hudson-Wente selection isolated by Lee Hudson. Whole cluster pressed, indigenous yeast fermentation, sur lie aged with weekly stirring, aged in 55% new French oak barrels. Unfiltered. · Light golden straw color and very slight haze (unfiltered) in the glass. A serious wine offering aromas of lemon, caramel, buttered popcorn and chalk dust. Elicits a Wow! on the palate with luscious flavors of lemon, baked pear, peach honey, toffee, and pastry creme. Ideal integration of oak, notable acidity and impeccable balance. One of California’s greatest and most sophisticated Chardonnays. Reviewed June 23, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Patz & Hall Hudson Vineyard Carneros Chardonnay

14.2% alc., $55. Released March 2011. From a unique block in the Hudson Vineyard that allows longer hangtime. The Hudson Vineyard was founded in the 1980s by Lee Hudson and is considered one the most prized sources of Chardonnay in Carneros. Whole cluster pressed, 100% indigenous yeast fermentations, aged sur lie with weekly stirring, 100% MLF, aged in 40% new Burgundian French oak barrels. Unfiltered. · Light straw color in the glass. Shy aromas of pear, brioche and petrichor. Delicious essence of baked apples with accents of pear jam, baking spice and toasty oak. Juicy and mouth filling, bright and clean, with a refreshing grip of acidity on the long finish. A wine of high pedigree that has the balance to last many years in the cellar. Very good. Reviewed July 1, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Greg Linn Wines Hudson Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir

150 cases. 20% whole cluster. · Typical of Carneros, this wine displays more earthiness and animale. The rich core of dark and nicely spiced Pinot fruits really impresses from entry to finish. Very good. Reviewed March 11, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »