2019 Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard White Stones Chardonnay

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.

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.

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.

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.