CATENA ZAPATA Chardonnay 'White Stones' Adrianna Vineyard - Gualtallary 2021 Bottle (los)

Description

Catena Zapata White Stones Chardonnay 2021 is a remarkable wine from the high-altitude Adrianna vineyard in Gualtallary, celebrated for its exceptional quality. This vintage has received widespread acclaim, including 98 points from The Wine Advocate and James Suckling, and 95 points from Wine Enthusiast. The wine presents a pale yellow colour with enticing aromas of pear, lime, and mountain herbs, enhanced by flinty and chalky notes. On the palate, it is medium-bodied, showcasing vibrant acidity and a mineral texture, along with flavours of green apple, ginger, and subtle spice. Vinous awarded it 97 points, highlighting its energetic character and complexity. With a drinking window from 2023 to 2031, this Chardonnay is perfect for immediate enjoyment and further ageing potential.

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THE WINE ADVOCATE 98 points
Drink 2023 - 2031
The 2021 White Stones Chardonnay is subtler and more elegant, a little closed with moderate ripeness and alcohol (12.5%) and a mineral palate with strong chalky sensations. It might be worth reproducing their explanation about this wine, one of the finest whites in Argentina: "The term 'white stones' refers to the composition of said rows of soil, with white oval stones covered by gravel. The vineyard 'Adrianna' is planted at an altitude of almost 1,500 meters above sea level, in the district of Gualtallary in Tupungato. The stony soil prevents deep root growth, providing optimum drainage. These soils are very poor in organic matter and contribute to support vines' permanent stress conditions. The cool nights allow for very slow ripening, optimal acid retention and low yields." This is serious and tasty. 7,300 bottles produced. - Luis Gutiérrez

JAMES SUCKLING 98 points
A very mineral, flinty chardonnay full of wet stones, lime and some green fruit. Austere and chalky on the medium-bodied palate, really transparent and elegant with super bright and beautifully integrated acidity. Pure, linear and long. Drink or hold.

VINOUS 97 points
Drinking Window 2023 - 2031
From: The Age of Mountain Whites: Enjoying the Altitude (Jul 2023)
The 2021 Chardonnay Adrianna Vineyard White Stones comes from Gualtallary, Uco Valley. It was aged for up to 16 months in used barrels. Pale yellow in the glass with a greenish sheen. The enticing aromatic profile presents pear and mountain herb notes with acacia, gunpowder, and hazelnut over layers of linden blossom and mint. However, it is on the palate, where this wine truly comes into its own: tart and sculpted with a chalky texture and saline flavor, it ends with complex, lingering fruit and herb flavors. A distinctive high-altitude Chardonnay from a cool year. - By Joaquín Hidalgo on July 2023

WINE ENTHUSIAST 95 points
This white comes from the Adrianna vineyard in Gualtallary and displays a lively acidity that speaks of its origin. Celery, dried lemon and light notes of oak spices create an aromatic bouquet. It's balanced and has subtle notes of green apple, lime, ginger and mint over a mineral texture. The finish is long and offers hints of dried fruit. This is ready to be enjoyed now, but will certainly develop over the next several years. Drink through 2031. — Jesica Vargas

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Catena Zapata is a renowned winery located in Mendoza, Argentina, celebrated for producing high-quality wines, especially its exceptional Malbec. Founded in 1902 by Nicola Catena, the winery has played a pivotal role in establishing Argentina's wine industry, focusing on the significance of terroir and altitude in grape cultivation. Catena Zapata emphasizes sustainable farming practices and meticulous vineyard management, with vineyards situated at various altitudes in the Andes foothills. The winery is known for its single-vineyard wines, which highlight the unique characteristics of each site. Its flagship wine, Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino, is praised for its depth, complexity, and rich flavors of dark fruit and spice, solidifying Catena Zapata's reputation as a top choice for wine enthusiasts and collectors.