Hudson 2021 Chardonnay Ladybug Estate Carneros Napa Valley – 97 Points

Jeb Dunnuck 97 Points: “Another showstopper is the 2021 Chardonnay Ladybug, which like the Little Bit spent 23 months in 80% new French oak. You wouldn’t know it saw that much new oak by tasting this beauty, which has pure stone fruits, pear, honeyed flowers, citrus oil, and a kiss of green almond to go with medium-bodied richness and depth on the palate. Vibrant, focused, chiseled, and just incredibly impressive, I love it today yet see no reason this gem of a Chardonnay shouldn’t evolve for 7-8 years, if not over a decade. Hats off to the team here.”

Robert Parker 97 Points: “Made using an Old Wente clone selection, the 2021 Chardonnay Ladybug is once again the star of the Hudson cellar. Barrel fermented in 80% new French oak, it offers up enchanting aromas of toasted hazelnut, caramelized pineapple and hints of white peach on the nose, while the palate is plump, rounded, generous, even expansive, with a long, luxurious and harmonious finish tinged with citrus zest. Super stuff.”