2019 Catena Zapata 'Adrianna Vineyard - White Bones' Mendoza

Winemaker Notes: "White Bones" makes reference to a spot of vines planted over a patch of gravel on the topsoil, and thick layers of calcareous deposits and limestone in the subsoil. Fossilized animal bones can be found among this layers. This are remains of animals and fish that lived in stream bed area.

The nose lively citrus notes and white stone fruit . The palate is a voluptuous wine with intense flavors of pear, apple and subtle floral and mineral hints . The finish is long and clean with a strong mineral side.

The is a rich, full-bodied Chardonnay that nonetheless possesses a crisp acidity making it the perfect foil for meatier fish like tuna and swordfish as well as seafood dishes prepared with butter and cream. Try this wine with a dish like Roasted Monkfish with Cardinal Sauce for an unforgettable meal.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


James Suckling - "Honeysuckle, ripe pear and some dried apple. So perfumed. Full-bodied with incredible intensity and length. So much green-apple character and lots of flowers. Dried mango, too. The touch of flor growth in the barrel gives this unique character. Goes on for minutes on the finish. Endless, vibrant acidity. Minerally texture. Drink now."


Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - "The very minty 2019 White Bones Chardonnay comes from select rows within Block 1 of the Adrianna Vineyard in Gualtallary. 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, closer to Los Cerrillos del Jaboncillo; it’s an old soil in a new formation. 2019 is a cool vintage, and the wine is only 12.6% alcohol and has notable acidity (8.1 grams), and it always has a more extroverted personality than the most austere White Stones. It has tons of aromatic herbs, thyme, lavender, lemongrass, rockrose and balsamic with some curry (the wine had some aging under flor), and it has a vibrant palate where the acidity is effervescent and lively and the finish salty. It’s vibrant and sharp, more in the style of a Chablis. Truly outstanding. This is a very recognizable wine."


Tim Atkin - "Pure limestone’ is how Ale Vigil describes the soils in this part of the Adrianna Vineyard, planted in 1992. Saline, taut and focused, this stunning Chardonnay is an Uco Valley tribute to the great whites of Burgundy, with minerality to spare, chiselled acidity, stylish oak and a finish that lingers tantalisingly on the palate."


Vinous - "The 2019 Chardonnay White Bones Adrianna Vineyard is from the eponymous vineyard in Tupungato and was aged for up to 16 months in used French barrels. Pale yellow with golden flecks. The intense aromatic profile is led by herbs such as basil and a crystal-clear lavender whiff, alongside cedar, vanilla and a backdrop of green apple. Broad and creamy on the palate but with a terse texture and superb freshness, this has an unctuous feel. White fruit aromas appear at the back of the mouth. Ending with a lovely, herbal finish, this is a wine inspired by Chablis but possessing a wild purity all its own."