Bodega Catena Zapata "White Bones" Chardonnay 2022
(Mendoza, Argentina) - [JS 100] [JD 98] [VM 98] [WA 98] [WS 95]

Notes from the Winemaker:
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.

WINEMAKING AND AGING
This wine goes through cold settling for 10-24 hours at less than 6ºC to extract aromas. The juice is then fermented for around 45-95 days. Biological Ageing, Elevage: 12-16 months in 100% French Oak. Second, third and fourth use barrels.

VINEYARD
Adrianna Vineyard: Gualtallary District, Tupungato Alto Region, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
Parcel Name: White Bones
Parcel Surface: 2,2 Hectares
Soil composition: Alluvial origin. Calcareous soil
Altitude: 4.757 ft (1.450 m) elevation

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Ratings & Reviews

100 Points - James Suckling:
"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 or hold." (Feb 2024)

98 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"From an extreme high-altitude, grand cru-level site in the cools of Gualtallary, the 2022 Chardonnay Adrianna Vineyard White Bones is distinct in its aromas of the native jumilla that surround the site, providing an herbal, earthy invitation to the light-bodied, refined palate of gravelly texture and minerality. Light and ethereal in style, it shows its limestone roots, and just a hint of oak, given 12-16 months of aging in oak barrel, all second, third, or fourth use. This wine practically buzzes in the glass with elegance and verve. Another 20 years of aging is not unrealistic. An outstanding wine! (Drink between 2025-2045)" - Virginie Boone (May 2025)

98 Points - Vinous Media:
"Sourced from a parcel of the Adrianna Vineyard in Gualtallary, planted at 1,450 meters, the 2022 Chardonnay Adrianna Vineyard White Bones delivers a distinctive flavor. Crafted in a cool, sunny vintage, the chalky soils of Gualtallary lend a compact character to this high-altitude Chardonnay. Yellow in hue, it opens with aromas of hops, ivy and pea shoots, accompanied by hints of mint, sage, ginger and lime. Slightly concentrated, with vibrant energy and tension, it offers a blend of chalky texture, elevated acidity and a compact yet graceful palate. It lingers with long-lasting flavors and a subtly malic texture. This mountain white wine set a benchmark in 2009 and reaffirmed it in 2022. (Drink between 2024-2034)" - Joaquin Hidalgo (Oct 2024)

98 Points - Wine Advocate:
"Perennially one of Argentina's most aromatically distinctive wines, the 2022 Adrianna Vineyard Chardonnay White Bones opens with its signature extroverted profile of resinous herbs, ginger and dried white flower aromas with an exotic touch of curry leaf from its biological élevage. The palate is broad, textural and weightlessly rich, exuding more body and understated power than its dramatically incisive White Stone counterpart. It culminates in a slow-moving, swelling finish that gradually gains dimension, energy and verticality with further aeration. This is a singular and definitive reference point for Argentine Chardonnay." - Matthew Luczy (May 2025)

95 Points - Wine Spectator:
"A stunning Chardonnay, with seemingly never-ending aromatics of fennel seed and toasted sesame seed mixed with pineapple sage and preserved lemon. The fennel and sesame seed notes join the intense, fresh and lively palate, driven by lemon curd and pomelo flavors, plus twinges of candied grapefruit that just keep going around cleansing minerality details on the structured and refreshing finish. Drink now through 2040. 510 cases made, 200 cases imported." - Aaron Romano (Nov 2024)