2021 Catena Zapata Adrianna White Stones Chardonnay, Mendoza

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 tosupport vines’ permanent stress conditions. The cool nights allow for very slow ripening, optimal acid retention and low yields.” This is serious and tasty.

98 points Luis Gutiérrez robertparker.com Dec 2022 Drink 2023-2031

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.

98 points jamessuckling.com April 2023 

The 2021 Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard White Stones Chardonnay from Mendoza is a thrilling high-altitude wine that rivals the world’s greatest Chardonnays. It comes from the celebrated Adrianna Vineyard in Gualtallary, Uco Valley, planted at nearly 1,500 metres above sea level. The “White Stones” parcel, littered with calcareous river stones and chalk, produces a wine of precision, minerality and immense age-worthiness. Crafted by Alejandro Vigil, it represents Catena Zapata’s relentless pursuit of Burgundian finesse expressed through Andean terroir.

In the glass, it is pale gold with a green hue. The nose is tightly coiled and mineral, offering lemon zest, green apple, white peach and pear layered with chamomile, almond, struck match and chalk. The palate is powerful yet refined, with citrus and stone fruit carried by razor-sharp acidity and a saline, chalky texture. The finish is long, crystalline and mouthwatering, combining intensity with elegance.

Food pairings highlight its structure and purity: lobster with beurre blanc, seared scallops, roast chicken with truffle butter, or creamy mushroom risotto. Triple-cream cheeses also complement its texture and depth. With 15 to 20 years of cellaring potential, the 2021 will gain honeyed and nutty layers while retaining its mineral spine.