2013 Catena Zapata Adrianna White Stones Chardonnay, Mendoza

The 2013 White Stones Chardonnay had penetrating balsamic aromas that seemed to enter the nostrils leaving a trail of citric and herbal aromas, with great freshness, as it felt almost effervescent. The palate shows superb acidity, great clarity, purity and a mineral-driven finish. 1,600 bottles produced.

A touch of blush to the straw-yellow color. Deeply pitched and lightly reduced, with exotic soft citrus and nutty oak aromas accompanied by smoky minerality. Quite tightly wound, even a bit youthfully tart, with lemon and tangerine flavors starting uncompromisingly dry but becoming creamier and oiler with air, with flinty and minty notes emerging. Less phenolic than the White Stones, perhaps because it has less of malic edge, but still with outstanding texture and energy. Finishes with chewy crushed-stone character and superb rising length. This, too, is a shock to the palate in the early going, and in fact is even higher in acidity than the White Stones. Drink now-2024.