2023 Bodega Chacra Cincuenta Y Cinco Pinot Noir, Patagonia

This is incredibly fresh and vivid with orange peel, orange blossoms, cherries and hints of rose stem. Medium-bodied with a sleek and racy palate of creamy, fine tannins and a energetic length and purity. Crunchy. 100% whole cluster. From vineyards planted in 1955. Drink or hold.

97 points jamessuckling.com

Located inland, close to the Andes Mountain ranges, and at a lower altitude (300m, or 100ft) than Mendoza, Patagonia features an austere desert climate of warm days and cold nights that particularly suits the production of elegant wines including Argentina icon, Malbec and Pinot Noir.

Patagonia is a desert, and viticulture is possible only near the rivers, where meltwater from the Andes is abundant for irrigation. The classic desert climate of warm days and cold nights extends the growing season in the region, slowing ripening in the grapes and letting them develop rich varietal character while retaining acidity.

Patagonia has gained recognition within the wine world due to the two viticultural regions located in its northern section: the more-established Rio Negro and the newer, still developing Neuquen. Wines from these two zones are traditionally more European in style than those from the central and northern regions of Argentina, as a result of the areas' cooler climate and higher latitude. While Malbec still plays a central role in Patagonian wine, it is Pinot Noir that has become the region's iconic grape variety. Excellent white wines made from Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semilion and Riesling also showcase the freshness of the region's climate.

Piero Incisa della Rocchetta, grandson of Sassicaia's creator, saw the potential of the Mainque area and founded Chacra in 2003. Helped by fantastic Burgundian winemaker Marc Roulot, Piero produces pure, savoury and elegant Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Due to the nature of the environment, the vines are naturally strong and need minimal intervention. All wines are biodynamic and have a natural acidity. Enjoyable in their youth they can also age gracefully and have been scoring consistently high. Pure, savoury and elegant, they are a serious contender for Burgundy.

Cincuenta y Cinco is sourced from vineyards planted in 1955 on a sea of pebbles, typical in riverbed soils. It has the highest amount of tension of all the Chacra wines. The whole cluster was fermented at very low temperatures, enhancing the floral characteristics of the wine. Aged for 11 months in used oak barrels. Aromas of freshly crushed strawberry with notes of game and smoke. Medium-bodied and generously fruity on the palate with pure red berry flavours well-balanced with a mineral finish and saline notes.