2022 Catena Zapata Adrianna White Bones Chardonnay, Mendoza

This is always aromatic, exotic and idiosyncratic, with its enchanting aromas of green fruit, green curry, citrus, ash, green passion fruit and spearmint. Almost full-bodied on the palate with lots of mineral tension. Bright acidity quickly takes over, followed by a long, bone-dry finish that goes on and on. So pure, unique and thought-provoking. Drink Now +

100 points Zekun Shuai jamessuckling.com

Catena Zapata Adrianna White Bones Chardonnay from Mendoza is a distinctive high-altitude Chardonnay, crafted from the renowned Adrianna Vineyard in the Uco Valley’s Gualtallary subregion. Planted at 4,757 feet above sea level, the Adrianna Vineyard is revered for its extreme terroir, where limestone-rich soils in the White Bones parcel create a wine with remarkable minerality and complexity. The White Bones Chardonnay is named for the fossil-rich soils found in this parcel, which impart a unique character and textural depth to the wine, reflecting the Catena family’s commitment to exploring Mendoza’s diverse terroirs.

Winemaker Alejandro Vigil applies a meticulous approach to crafting White Bones Chardonnay, employing hand-harvesting and wild yeast fermentation to preserve the purity of the fruit. Aged in French oak, the wine is further enhanced by its time on the lees, which adds layers of texture without overpowering the vibrant acidity and minerality of the Chardonnay.

In the glass, Catena Zapata Adrianna White Bones Chardonnay presents aromas of white peach, lemon blossom, and flint, with underlying hints of chamomile and spice. The palate is elegant and layered, showcasing flavors of citrus, green apple, and a touch of saline minerality, supported by a crisp acidity. The finish is long and complex, with a mineral backbone that captures the essence of the Adrianna Vineyard. This Chardonnay exemplifies the finesse and intensity of high-altitude winemaking in Mendoza.

For over four generations, the Catena family has grown vines in the foothills of the Andes Mountains in Mendoza, Argentina. In his pursuit to make wines that stand with the best in the world, Nicolás Catena identified the best lots and rows, in the Catena family’s estate vineyards.

The Adrianna vineyard is located at almost 5,000’ elevation in the Gualtallary sub-district of the Tupungato region. White Bones Chardonnay comes from select rows within Block 1 of the Adrianna Vineyard. The name refers to the soil underneath these rows, which is layered with calcareous deposits and limestone as well as fossilized animal bones - remnants of a river that used to pass through the region.

There are many theories about why the grapes coming from these rows have such distinctive floral aromatics with an earthy minerality in the nose and palate. It may be related to the minerals in the soil or to the effects that the calcareous deposits have on root penetration.

At this extreme high altitude, the nights are cool, only a few degrees above freezing even in the summer. The night-day temperature difference is between 15 and 20 degrees. And the sunlight is more intense because of the altitude.