2019 Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard White Stones Chardonnay
The Collective Review
Catena Zapata has been consistently doing wondrous things for Argentine wine, today they are making tidal waves with their newly released wines with scores that are soaring sky high!
Founded in 1902, Argentina’s Bodega Catena Zapata is the oldest Argentine family winery still in family hands now in the fourth generation.
They are the pioneers of fine wine in Argentina. They set the standard for all quality wine to come.
"Nicolás Catena Zapata is justly credited with putting Argentinean wines on the world map” Janis Robinson
The family’s Adrianna Vineyard at almost 5,000 feet elevation has been called the Grand Cru of South America. We have two wines on offer from that superb vineyard.
The amazing 2019 White Stones Chardonnay comes from a select group of 27 rows planted on lot I of the Adriana Vineyard, and the composition of those rows is soil with white oval stones covered by gravel. The Adriana Vineyard 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. This soil, which is very poor in organic matter, contributes to the vines' permanent stress conditions. The cool nights allow for very slow ripening, optimal acid retention and low yields. This is always a more austere wine than the White Bones, more mineral and restrained, less aromatic, with great balance, a little higher in alcohol and with very good acidity, rounder and more Meursault than Chablis but still with citrus freshness and pungent flavors and always some spice (curry) because of the aging in barrel with flor. This year, the two whites show a more marked personality, possibly aided by the style of the cooler year but also because the winery has a better understanding of the places. It's still very young and undeveloped; it's drinkable now, but with more time in bottle, it should develop greater complexity. Now the finish shows acidity and salt, which make it very vibrant. 6,600 bottles were filled in May 2020. Read more
Critic Reviews
The amazing 2019 White Stones Chardonnay comes from a select group of 27 rows planted on lot I of the Adriana Vineyard, and the composition of those rows is soil with white oval stones covered by gravel. The Adriana Vineyard 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. This soil, which is very poor in organic matter, contributes to the vines' permanent stress conditions. The cool nights allow for very slow ripening, optimal acid retention and low yields. This is always a more austere wine than the White Bones, more mineral and restrained, less aromatic, with great balance, a little higher in alcohol and with very good acidity, rounder and more Meursault than Chablis but still with citrus freshness and pungent flavors and always some spice (curry) because of the aging in barrel with flor. This year, the two whites show a more marked personality, possibly aided by the style of the cooler year but also because the winery has a better understanding of the places. It's still very young and undeveloped; it's drinkable now, but with more time in bottle, it should develop greater complexity. Now the finish shows acidity and salt, which make it very vibrant. 6,600 bottles were filled in May 2020.
I generally have a slight preference for White Bones over White Stones, but in 2019 they are equally brilliant. This is slightly broader in style than its stable mate, but has similar focus and precision. Leesy, spicy and layered, with notes of nutmeg, lemongrass and vanilla and mouth-watering acidity. 2022-29
A very fresh, bright white with sliced apple, pear and light cream. Full-bodied with a very pretty texture. Mineral, chalk and lightly salty mineral undertones. Intense finish. Really takes off. Drink now or hold.
The 2019 Catena Zapata White Bones Chardonnay is an outstanding wine. This wine exhibits aromas and flavors of savory spices, leaves, mineral notes, and a hint of flowers. Try it with broiled lobster in a decadent cream sauce.
The 2019 Chardonnay White Stones Adrianna Vineyard is from the eponymous vineyard in Tupungato, Uco Valley, and was aged for up to 16 months in used French barrels. Bright yellow in the glass. The nose offers hazelnuts, herbs and a whiff of oak alongside hints of linden blossom and acacia. Intense and concentrated in the mouth, this has a skeletal structure and a compact, saline, tangy palate before powerful aromas of fruit and oak gather at the back of the throat to deliver an elongated finish helped along by the acidity.
Technical Attributes
- Producer: Bodega Catena Zapata
- Varietal: Chardonnay
- Region: Mendoza
- Alcohol: 12.9%
- Net volume: 750ml
- Vintage: 2019
- Cellar until 2034
Tasting Notes
Delicate aroma with mineral notes and white flowers, in the mouth it is a wine of great elegance , with delicious flavors of jasmine and white peach , gently intertwined with a fresh mineral side. Wine lively and refreshing acidity with a long, lingering finish . This wine pairs well with a variety of more full-flavored fish dishes especially shellfish like shrimp, crab, and lobster. For a special meal try this elegant Chardonnay with Grilled Langoustines with Beurre Blanc.
Winemakers Note
Cold settling for 12 hours in stainless steel tanks at 6º C. Fermentation in French oak barrels for 45 - 95 days at 16°C. Battonage. Partial malolactic fermentation. Aged for 12-16 months in 2nd, 3d and 4th use French oak barrels.
Customer Reviews
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